London Borough of Lambeth (25 012 987)
Category : Other Categories > Other
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 17 Jun 2026
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the conduct of a Council staff member. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to warrant our involvement.
The complaint
- Ms X complained about the conduct of a Council staff member. She said she suspected they committed fraud, data breaches and the equality act. She said she suffered distress and inconvenience as a consequence. She wants the Council to correct false data, compensation and confirmation of what safeguards are in place for disadvantaged groups.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
- We normally expect someone to refer the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) 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.)
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Ms X complained to the Council about the conduct of a staff member. The Council’s policy states it deals with these matters through its disciplinary procedure and Human Resources. The Council followed its policy in its response to Ms X and therefore we will not investigate this complaint.
- If Ms X believes the member of staff did not adhere to data protection regulations, this is a matter for the ICO.
Final decision
- We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault to warrant our involvement.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman