Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council has not responded to his personal data request. This is because the Information Commissioner’s Office is best placed to deal with this matter.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council has not provided information he has requested relating to his application to become a foster carer.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We normally expect someone to refer the matter to the Information Commissioner if they have a complaint about data protection. However, we may decide to investigate if we think there are good reasons. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I have considered what Mr X said in his complaint and I have sent him my draft findings on it for his comment. Mr X made no further comment.

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What I found

4. Mr X is concerned about information third parties have provided to the Council relating to his application to become a foster carer. Mr X has asked the Council to let him see this information but it has not supplied it.

Analysis

5. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the UK’s authority on data protection matters and is best placed to deal with Mr X’s complaint. We will not therefore investigate.

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Final decision

6. My decision is that the Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint. This is because the ICO is best placed to determine whether the Council has properly responded to Mr X’s request for information.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman