Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about alleged lies by a social worker in a court report and verbally in court, or the evidence of Mr X’s child’s mother in court. An absolute legal bar prevents us investigating matters that have formed part of court proceedings.

The complaint

1. Mr X said a social worker lied in court and in reports about serious matters involving the care of his child by the child’s mother. He said the child’s mother admitted serious matters in court.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended).

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How I considered this complaint

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

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Final decision

6. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it concerns evidence given in court and reports for a court. We are legally prevented from investigating these matters.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman