Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about matters related to a report that the Council provided during court proceedings. This is because the law prevents us from investigating what happens in court.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about a Section 7 report that the Council provided during court proceedings to determine the care arrangements for his child. Mr X says the report was inadequate, biased and contained inaccurate information.

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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 and the Council.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. I cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint. A Section 7 court report forms part of court proceedings. We have no jurisdiction to investigate any matters related to its preparation or content.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because the law prevents us from investigating what happens in court.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman