Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about Mr X’s personal information being aired during court proceedings. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. We have no remit to consider what happened in court.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about his and his family’s personal information being disclosed during court proceedings. He says this has destroyed his mental health.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we decide the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended).
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 and the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. We cannot intervene in court proceedings or investigate information used by the court. So, we cannot investigate.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate this complaint as it does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. We have no remit to consider matters in connection with court proceedings.

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman