Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the support the Council provided Ms X’s daughter. The complaint is late.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains about the actions of the Council in the period up to Augst 2021 in relation to the support it provided her daughter Miss Y.
2. She says it actions have caused her and her family distress.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

6. Miss Y used to live in this Council’s area. In August 2021, she moved away and at that point, the Council passed responsibility for her support to the new council.
7. We will not investigate this complaint. Ms X has been aware of the matters she complains about for at least two years. I can see no good reason why she did not approach us earlier. Therefore, I will not exercise my discretion and investigate now.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because they are late.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman