Summary: Mr X complained about the Council keeping him and his home under constant surveillance. The Ombudsman should not investigate this complaint. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.

The complaint

1. The complainant, whom I shall call Mr X, complains about the Council keeping him under surveillance. He says he is in fear of his life and he wants the Council to stop.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We can decide whether to start or discontinue an investigation into a complaint within our jurisdiction. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I have considered all the information which Mr X submitted with his complaint. I have also considered the Council’s response and Mr X has commented on the draft decision.

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What I found

4. Mr X says the Council is using its officers to observe his home and that it has interfered with his housing, car finance and DBS applications. He is in fear of his life and the Police informed mental health services when he approached them with his concerns.
5. The Council says it can only obtain surveillance orders in certain circumstances from the Magistrates Court. It has not made any such requests concerning Mr X and has not carried out any surveillance of him or intervened in the issues with other bodies. Mr X has not provided any evidence to the Police or to us with his complaint and this is not a matter which we can investigate.

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Final decision

6. The Ombudsman should not investigate this complaint. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman