Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the content of a document provided to a court. This is because a legal bar prevents us investigating any matter raised in court.

The complaint

1. Mr X said what a social worker wrote about him contained false statements that damaged his integrity and was used against him in a court case. He wanted the document withdrawn from the court.

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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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Final decision

6. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because the document about whose content he complained has formed part of court proceedings.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman