The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council breached data protection regulations in its handling of a housing application. This is because the Information Commissioner is better placed to consider the issues raised.
The complaint
Mr X complains that the Council breached the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in its handling of his housing application.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide there is another body better placed to consider this complaint. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B)) We normally expect someone to refer the matter to the Information Commissioner if they have a complaint about data protection. However, we may decide to investigate if we think there are good reasons. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
I will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is better placed to consider complaints about breaches of data protection including breaches of GDPR. It is therefore reasonable for Mr X to raise his concerns with the ICO.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the ICO is better placed to consider the issues he has raised.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman