Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a college making then withdrawing an offer of a place on a course. The matter complained of does not involve a function of the Council.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complained a college offered and then withdrew a place for her daughter. She said this meant she would have to study GCSEs before starting a BTEC course. She said the family had incurred costs as a result.

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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 where the body complained about is not responsible for the issue being raised. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(1), 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 Mrs X’s complaint because the matters complained of concern the actions of a college and are not a function of the Council.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman