Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the actions of the Council’s children’s services between 2010 and 2021. This is because the complaint is made late and I see no good reason to exercise discretion and consider it now.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the actions of the Council’s children’s services in regard to his child, Z. Mr X says Z was neglected between 2010 and 2021 and the Council’s supervision was inadequate.

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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 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

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

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My assessment

6. I will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. The issues he raises happened 3-14 years ago and I see no good reason why he could not have complained sooner.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is made late.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman