Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the contents of a report. This is because a court ordered the report and therefore it’s preparation and contents fall outside of our jurisdiction

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the contents of a Section 7 report which was ordered by a court during proceedings to determine the care and contact arrangements of Mr X’s child.

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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 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

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

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My assessment

6. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint. This the law prevents us from investigating complaints about the start of court action or what has happened in court. This includes the preparation and contents of reports ordered by the courts including Section 7 reports. Mr X will have the opportunity to challenge the contents of the report during court proceedings.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it concerns matters relating to the start of court action or what has happened in court.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman