Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s communication with Mr X relating to a child. This is because we have no jurisdiction to consider the complaint because of ongoing court proceedings.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained because the Council have not kept him up to date with matters relating to a child and their placements. Mr X said this caused him distress.

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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 the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

5. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint and this is because the matter is related to ongoing care proceedings and the law does not allow us to investigate what happens during court action.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman