Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council investigated anti-social behaviour. That is because the Police are still investigating matters linked to the anti-social behaviour complaint. Miss X can return to us once the Police have completed their investigations.

The complaint

1. Miss X complained about how the Council responded to her reports of anti-social behaviour. She said it failed to identify her as a vulnerable adult and take appropriate action. She said the Council incorrectly said she and her mother were exaggerating the anti-social behaviour. Miss X wants the Council to apologise.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse effect on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we decide the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint. That is because the Police are still investigating matters that are linked to her complaints about anti-social behaviour. Once the Police have completed their investigations, Miss X can return to the Ombudsman about the Council’s actions.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because there are ongoing Police investigations. Once these are complete, Miss X can return to the Ombudsman.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman