The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about matters related to the Council’s section 7 court report. We have no jurisdiction to look at matters that form part of court proceedings.
The complaint
Mr X complains about the Council’s section 7 court report. He says it disregarded his concerns and views, was biased and contained incorrect information.
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.
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 preparation or content.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it relates to matters that form part of court proceedings.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman