Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the way the Council dealt with Mrs X’s husband before he passed away. This is because she is not a suitable representative.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complains about the way the Council dealt with her husband before he passed away.

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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 Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. We cannot investigate this complaint. Based on the evidence we have seen we do not consider Mrs X to be a suitable representative for Mr X.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint as she is not a suitable representative for Mr X.

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman