The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the removal of a passport. The passport was removed from Mr X by court order. The law prevents us from investigating complaints about what happened in court.
The complaint
Mr X complained the Council had removed his passport which prevented him from visiting his mother who lives abroad.
Mr X said this caused distress.
Mr X wants the Council to return his passport.
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.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because his passport was removed by court order. The law prevents us from investigating complaints about what happened in court.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman