Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an alleged debt for adult social care fees because we do not have evidence Ms E is a suitable representative of the estate claimed from.

The complaint

1. Ms E complains about harassment from the Care Provider (Gainford Care Homes Ltd) over an alleged debt of around £14,000 for her mother’s (Ms F’s) care fees.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We may investigate a complaint on behalf of someone who has died or who cannot authorise someone to act for them. The complaint may be made by:

• their personal representative (if they have one), or
• someone we consider to be suitable.

(Local Government Act 1974, section 26A(2), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. As the complaint is about an alleged debt from Ms F’s estate, we would expect the suitable person to raise such a complaint to be the person responsible for administering the estate. Ms E has not provided evidence to show she is a personal representative of the estate or a suitable representative to raise this complaint.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Ms E’s complaint because we do not have evidence she is a suitable representative to bring this complaint on behalf of the deceased.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman