Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a failure to make alternative educational provision for Mrs X’s child. The complaint is late, and there is no good reason to exercise discretion to investigate it now.

The complaint

1. Mrs X said the Council failed to make alternative educational provision when her child was out of school between November 2019 and January 2021.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

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

Back to top

My assessment

5. Mrs X was aware of the matter she now complains of at the end of 2019, and the matter ended about 18 months before she approached us. I have seen no evidence that she was prevented from complaining sooner.

Back to top

Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because it is late and there is no good reason to exercise discretion to investigate it now.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman