Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about how the Council carried out its trading standards investigation. The issues raised are subject to court action. We have no jurisdiction to investigate.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about how the Council handled its’ trading standards investigation into his business. He says the Council has not communicated effectively or investigated in a timely and professional manner. He says this has caused him and his family distress and financial hardship.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court (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 the complainant and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mr X complains about the way the Council have communicated with him during its investigation into his business, and the conduct of one of its officers in Court. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about the start of court action or what happened in Court.

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Final decision

6. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because the issues raised are subject to court action.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman