Summary: Ms X complains about the actions of a bailiff instructed by the Council. We will not investigate this complaint because the matter is out of time.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains about the actions of a bailiff instructed by the Council.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

3. I have considered the comments of the complainant and the Council and the complainant was given an opportunity to comment on the draft decision.

Back to top

What I found

4. Ms X says that a bailiff improperly charged her a fee for visiting her home in April 2017.
5. I see no reason why a complaint about this matter could not have been made to this office within 12 months of the matter arising. The complaint is therefore out of time.

Back to top

Final decision

6. I do not intend to investigate this complaint because the matter is out of time.
    

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman