Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that a Council email contained false and inaccurate information about him. This is because it is better dealt with by the Information Commissioner's Office.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains that a Council email - about him and sent to a councillor - contains inaccurate and misleading information about his suitability to host refugees. Mr X wants an apology and the email withdrawn.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Ombudsman investigates complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start or may decide not to continue with an investigation if we decide there is another body better placed to consider this complaint (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is the UK's independent authority on data protection and information rights matters. It is better placed to determine if the Council has responded correctly to the concerns raised by Mr X. So, we will not investigate.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is better dealt with by the ICO.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman