Summary: We cannot lawfully investigate Mr X’s complaint because the Council’s report he complains about was part of court proceedings.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council’s social worker sent the family court a report which is biased in favour of the mother of his children and contained information he did not know about. Mr X says the court has not given him enough contact with his children.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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

3. I have considered Mr X’s information and comments.

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What I found

4. The family court has considered the welfare of Mr X’s children and his contact with them.

Analysis

5. I cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction (see paragraph 2 above). We cannot investigate the Council’s assessment report or evidence to court which are part of the court proceedings.

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Final decision

6. The Ombudsman cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because the report to which he objects was part of court proceedings.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman