Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council’s children’s services have dealt with matters concerning a child. This is because the complainant is not a suitable representative to complaint on behalf of the child.

The complaint

1. Miss X complains about how the Council’s children’s services have dealt with matters concerning her sister.

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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 may investigate complaints made on behalf of someone else if they have given their consent. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26A(1), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

6. I will not investigate Miss X’s complaint. Given the facts of the case, and the fact that Miss X does not have parental responsibility for the child, I do not consider that she is suitable to act on behalf of the child in regard to this matter.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because she is not a suitable representative to act on behalf of the child.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman