Suffolk County Council (20 001 080)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 18-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about various children services actions. There is not significant enough injustice to justify an investigation, it is unlikely we will find fault on other aspects, and some matters have been considered within Court proceedings.

Manchester City Council (20 003 083)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 17-Sep-2020

Summary: Mr X complains the Council lied about him in court reports. He says this led to his son going to live with his mother whom Mr X says is unsuitable. The Ombudsman cannot investigate what happens in court.

Westminster City Council (18 019 156)

Statement Upheld Other 11-Sep-2020

Summary: The Council was at fault in the way it dealt with assessing and providing for Mrs X’s daughter’s needs as a child and with the transition to Adult Services. The family has missed out on the opportunity for support as a result. The Council has agreed a remedy including making a payment and reviewing procedures.

City of Wolverhampton Council (19 011 879)

Statement Upheld Other 11-Sep-2020

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council’s actions leading up to a court hearing that would have considered taking his children into care. Mr X says the Council’s actions caused avoidable distress to himself and his children. The Ombudsman finds some fault with how the Council considered the threshold for legal proceedings was met. The agreed action remedies the injustice caused.

Wiltshire Council (20 002 577)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 09-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman cannot investigate this complaint that the Council provided inaccurate information to the courts which led to the court issuing a decision that the complainant disagrees with. This is because the law says the Ombudsman cannot investigate any matter that has formed part of legal proceedings.

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council (19 012 657)

Statement Upheld Other 08-Sep-2020

Summary: Ms X complained the Council unfairly restricted her access to her grandchildren. She also complained the Council shared sensitive information with her grandchildren’s paternal grandparents without her permission and despite telling her it would not do so. She said this caused her distress and upset. There was no fault in the Council’s actions regarding contact arrangements. There was fault in the Council’s actions when it shared sensitive information disclosed by Ms X with the paternal grandparents. The Council has agreed to pay Ms X £100 to recognise the distress she experienced.

Luton Borough Council (20 002 204)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 07-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s involvement with his stepdaughter. The courts are considering the care arrangements. It is reasonable for Mr X to raise his concerns with the court.

Oxfordshire County Council (20 002 055)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 07-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about a data breach by a Council officer. This is because complaints about data issues are best considered by the Information Commissioner.

North Lincolnshire Council (20 002 122)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 07-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about a request for information because there is another body better placed to consider it. Complaints about data matters are best considered by the Information Commissioner.

Derbyshire County Council (19 009 901)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 02-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman does not intend to investigate this complaint about the Council’s refusal to investigate his complaint at stage two of its complaints procedure. This is because there is no evidence of fault in the Council’s handling of the complaint.