Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the actions of a private company. This is because the Council is not responsible for the actions complained about.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the actions of staff working for a counselling service and the way it dealt with his complaint.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We cannot investigate a complaint where the body complained about is not responsible for the issue being raised. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(1), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

6. The Council has informed Mr X that it has no connection with the private organisation that he is complaining about. We cannot investigate as we have no remit to investigate private organisations.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the Council is not responsible for the actions complained about.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman