The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s section 7 court report and contact arrangements with his child. We have no jurisdiction to look at matters subject to court proceedings.
The complaint
Mr X complains the Council produced a biased and inaccurate section 7 court report. He is unhappy with the court’s decision regarding contact arrangements with his child.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
We cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
I cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint. A section 7 court report forms part of court proceedings. We have no jurisdiction to investigate any matters related to its content and the court’s decision regarding contact arrangements.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it relates to court proceedings.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman