Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to provide evidence Ms X asked for. The information Commissioner’s Office is better placed to consider this matter.

The complaint

1. Ms X said the Council failed to respond when she asked it for evidence.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Ombudsman investigates complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or may decide not to continue with an investigation if we decide there is another body better placed to consider this complaint. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. Ms X’s complaint concerns the Council not responding to a request for evidence about a social care matter.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because it concerns a request for data. The Information Commissioner’s Office is better placed to consider any failure or refusal by the Council.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman