Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s inaccurate reporting in 2020. This is because the complaint is late and there is no good reason to investigate now.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council:
• Used wrong information in an assessment in 2020; and
• Handled his complaint poorly in 2020.

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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)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. I note Mr X’s health issues were the reason for his late complaint. I consider due to the length of time passed, and Mr X could have got someone to act on his behalf if needed, that there is no good reason to investigate now.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is late and there is no good reason to investigate now.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman