Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the actions of the Council in relation to his child being removed from his care by the child’s mother in 2020. This is because the complaint is late.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained the Council failed to follow proper procedure when his child, Y, was removed from his home by Y’s mother in 2020.
2. Mr X said the matter caused him distress and frustration.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
4. 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

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

Back to top

My assessment

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. The matters complained about happened in late 2020. Mr X was broadly aware of the issues at the time but did not complain to the Ombudsman until July 2025. The complaint is therefore late.
8. The law says we cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. I have seen no good reasons Mr X could not have complained sooner. Consequently, we will not investigate this complaint.

Back to top

Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the complaint is late and there are no good reasons to exercise discretion to investigate now.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman