Summary: We will not investigate Mr F’s complaint about his dealings with a Council Officer in connection with his son’s return to school because it is too late.

The complaint

1. Mr F emailed the Council on 16 June 2024 following a meeting to discuss his son’s education. He said he felt victimised and harassed by a council officer present at the meeting. He said he wanted the officer removed from the case and help making a complaint.
2. Mr F complained to us on 6 July 2025. He said the Council had not provided a response to his complaint. He said it now appeared the Council was thinking of prosecuting him.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. 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)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

6. Mr F’s son’s school attendance has been a cause for concern for some time. In June 2024, the Council, the school and Mr F were working to secure his return to school. However, it appears there may have been differences of opinion about past events and the best way forward.
7. Mr F expressed his dissatisfaction to the Council on 16 June 2024. He complained to the Ombudsman more than 12 months later, on 6 July 2025. It is too late to consider his complaint now.
8. Things have clearly moved on since Mr F’s complaint in June 2024. Mr F says the Council is now considering prosecuting him. If the Council does prosecute, he will have an opportunity to defend himself in court. The Ombudsman does not investigate complaints once proceedings have begun.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr F’s complaint because it is too late.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman