Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about a report that the Council presented to a court. The law prevents us from investigating what happened in court.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the contents of a section 7 report that the Council presented to the Family Court.

Back to top

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)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

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

Back to top

My assessment

6. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about the section 7 report the Council presented to the courts. A section 7 court report forms part of court proceedings. We have no power to investigate any matters related to its content or preparation.

Back to top

Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is about what happened in court.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman