Summary: Mrs X complained that she was prevented from visiting her mother after she complained about her care. We have stopped investigating this complaint as the issues are to be considered by the courts and the Ombudsman cannot investigate further.

The complaint

1. The complainant, whom I shall refer to as Mrs X, complained that she was prevented from visiting her mother after she complained about her care.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has started court action about the matter. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(c), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information from the Complainant and from the Council.

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What I found

4. The Council informed me that the issues about which Mrs X complained, were subject of a current application to the courts.

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Final decision

5. I have stopped investigating this complaint. No further action is needed because the issue is not one the Ombudsman can deal with.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman