Mandy Cashmore
Information and Records Officer
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
0330 403 4734

CC: ITV Investigations Team
CC: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire; SK9 5AF
CC: First-tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber), HM Courts & Tribunals Service, PO Box 9300, Leicester, LE1 8DJ

Subject: Formal Response – Failure to Investigate & Provision of Incorrect Information

Our Ref: 24/351 – 24 012 899 and 24/365
(Please use reference 24/351 when contacting us about this request for information.)

2nd March 2025

Dear Ms. Cashmore,

I am writing to formally challenge the failure of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) to conduct a proper investigation into the actions of Reading Social Services, Newry Social Services, and East Sussex Social Services, and the deliberate provision of false and misleading information. The facts of this matter indicate deception and potentially criminal behavior.

It is irrefutable that Reading Social Services received information from Newry Social Services confirming that Catherine/Cathyrn and Lauren had moved to Northern Ireland. This is documented in records held by both authorities. Despite this, Reading Social Services, East Sussex Social Services, and Newry Social Services appear to have deliberately misrepresented or concealed this fact. This raises serious questions:

1. Why has Reading Social Services acted with deception, potentially even criminally, by ignoring documented evidence?
2. Has there been a deliberate effort to obstruct justice through the misrepresentation of Catherine and Lauren’s location?
3. Is this an attempt to manipulate jurisdictional authority to justify unlawful actions?
4. Why has the LGSCO failed to properly investigate this clear misconduct?

Furthermore, I seek urgent clarification on how it is possible for Lauren, Emily’s sister, to have been born in Northern Ireland when this is factually incorrect. If authorities are asserting this falsehood, it suggests either gross incompetence or intentional fabrication. Given the significance of jurisdiction in legal and social service matters, this misinformation must be corrected immediately.

Failure to properly investigate and rectify these issues not only undermines public trust but may also constitute an abuse of power and a miscarriage of justice. I expect an immediate response addressing these concerns, along with a full explanation of the steps the LGSCO will take to hold those responsible accountable.

Should this matter not be addressed with the urgency and seriousness it warrants, I will escalate it further, including legal avenues and public scrutiny through media channels.

I look forward to your immediate and thorough response.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Newbold