Summary: We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint that the Council’s court report in a private family law case was flawed. We cannot lawfully investigate what happens at court including the content of a court report.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complains the Council provide a report to court, in 2021, which was flawed and failed to consider relevant information. She disagrees with the opinions of the Council’s officer. Mrs X says the Council’s actions affected the whole family and caused stress and financial loss.

Back to top

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 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)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

4. I have considered Mrs X’s information and comments and spoke to her by telephone.

Back to top

My assessment

5. We cannot investigate this complaint because it is outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction (see paragraphs 2 and 3 above). We cannot investigate what happens in court including the Council’s social worker’s assessment, opinions, and court report.

Back to top

Final decision

6. The Ombudsman cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint that the Council’s court report and recommendations in a private family law case was flawed. We cannot lawfully investigate what happens at court including the content of a court report.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman