Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council officer allegedly sharing information about Mr X with a third party. The Information Commissioner is best placed to consider complaints about data protection.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained a Council officer shared information about him with a third party, placing him at risk. He said the matter caused him distress, and he wanted explanations and for the officer to be removed from the role.

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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. Mr X’s complaint is about a Council officer allegedly sharing information about him with a third party, which he says places him at risk. The Information Commissioner’s Office is the organisation that considers complaints about how organisations handle people’s data. In the absence of a wider complaint within our jurisdiction, there is not a good reason for us to consider the matter instead.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the Information Commissioner is best placed to consider complaints about data protection.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman