Summary: Mr X complains on behalf of his son Mr Z about the actions of a care provider. We cannot investigate this complaint as the NHS funded Mr Z’s care.

The complaint

1. The complainant who I call Mr X complains on behalf of his son who I call Mr Z. Mr X complains about the care Mr Z received.

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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 spoke with Mr X and considered documents he provided. I made enquiries of the Council and considered its response.

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What I found

5. The NHS arranged and funded Mr Z’s care. It is therefore not within our jurisdiction to investigate the complaint.

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Final decision

6. We cannot investigate this complaint as the Council did not arrange or fund Mr Z’s care.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman