Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s decisions relating to Ms X’s grandchildren. This is because the matter was subject of court proceedings and the law does not allow us to investigate.

The complaint

1. Ms X was unhappy with the Council’s decision relating to her grandchildren including the amount of contact she has with them. She was also unhappy with the outcome of a court case believing the proceedings were unfair.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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Final decision

4. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because the matter was subject of court proceedings and the law does not allow us to investigate where there are matters where a court will make a decision.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman