Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about child protection action in 2017. The complaint is late and there is no good reason to investigate it now.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about child protection action the Council took in 2017.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. Mr X was aware of the matters he complains about in 2017. He was able to complain to the Council in 2018 and 2019. He could have approached us much sooner.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is late and there is no good reason to exercise discretion to consider it now.

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman