Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an alleged data breach by the Council as this is a matter for the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complains the Council mishandled her personal information and wrongly passed it on to third parties. Mrs X has been caused severe stress and anxiety by this.

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

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My assessment

5. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the UK’s independent authority on data protection matters and is best placed to respond to the concerns Mrs X raises. For this reason, we will not investigate.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because it is best dealt with by the ICO.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman