Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about information the Council provided during court proceedings. This is because the law prevents us from investigating complaints about what happens in court.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains that the Council provided inaccurate information in a report which was considered during family court proceedings. Mr X says the Council’s actions influenced the outcome of proceedings, negatively impacting contact arrangements between he and his children.

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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 law prevents us from investigating what happens in court. This includes the preparation and contents of reports that councils present during proceedings.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman