Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about court proceedings between the complainant and the Council. The law says we cannot consider such matters.

The complaint

1. Mrs B has complained about legal proceedings involving her family and the Council.

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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. It says we cannot investigate a complaint about conduct or court proceedings; we have no discretion in this. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Mrs B and the Council. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. The restriction I describe in paragraph 2 applies to Mrs B’s complaint.

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Final decision

5. We have no jurisdiction to investigate Mrs B’s complaint.

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman