Can I sue for libel?

[smptrds]

My local council, who I claim Council Tax Rebate, recently cautioned me for 'Fraud' on the fact that I didn't inform them about an increase in our bank within the stated ONE MONTH of having received an insurance payout. This I prooved to be incorrect as I have found that they had information from me in their files telling them of this increase within the month. I suffer C.F.S./M.E. which gives me very short term memory and I had forgotten this when being interrogated. They apologised but the Ombudsman is now to investigate their error. This has caused both my wife and I extreme stress over a period of 6 months as they refused to talk to me about the offence after the caution. Can I sue them for libel and stress caused

[dannydingbat]

No, they didn't publish this to a third party, only to you

[smptrds]

dannydingbat - I accept your point and thanks, but would your answer be the same if I informed you that a 5 year caution was put on me and sent to different departments outside the council organisation plus the knowledge of a friend within the council is now aware why we were being questioned.
Would I be able to sue them for stress and anxiety because they were aware that I have visited a psychiatrist in Liverpool for the past three years with my C.F.S./M.E.

[dannydingbat]

Your question was specific and I answered it. I practice, you will not take action against the Council with this history anyway. I have no doubt that whatever you want to do, this will wait until the Ombudsman has finished his investigation. Unless you complained through the Council's complaints procedure, it is unlikely that you will get any joy there, though.

[smptrds]

dannydingbat - Thank you again and yes, I am awaiting the ombudsman to investigate and report back to me.