London Borough of Barnet (19 003 647)

Statement Upheld Other 10-Sep-2019

Summary: Ms X complains that the Council failed to provide her with a financial payment and apology as recommended by the Ombudsman. Based on the evidence seen, the Ombudsman finds fault by the Council, but this did not cause Ms X significant injustice.

Cumbria County Council (18 012 950)

Statement Upheld Other 03-Sep-2019

Summary: Mr Y complained the Council failed to tell him, in a timely manner, whether he could have contact with his niece and nephew who lived in the Council’s area. The Council was at fault for the time it took to share its view with him and for the distress caused. The Council has been asked to apologise and make a financial settlement.

London Borough of Wandsworth (19 004 693)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 03-Sep-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Ms X’s complaint that Wandsworth Council has refused to investigate her complaint about a company which provides a children’s youth service on its behalf and which had contact with her son. The Council is not at fault and correctly advised Ms X that she should complain to Lambeth Council which is responsible for safeguarding her son.

Essex County Council (19 005 255)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 03-Sep-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman cannot investigate this complaint about the involvement of the Council’s social services in the complainant’s family. This is because the matter is related to court proceedings and is therefore out of our jurisdiction.

Sunderland City Council (19 002 360)

Statement Upheld Other 30-Aug-2019

Summary: Miss X complains the Council failed to consider safeguarding concerns she raised in relation to her grandchildren. The Council investigated her complaint at Stage 1 of the statutory Children Act complaints procedure but it refused Miss X’s request to proceed to Stage 2 of the procedure, an independent investigation. This is fault. The Council has agreed to arrange a Stage 2 investigation without further delay.

East Sussex County Council (19 005 433)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 30-Aug-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about an alleged data breach involving her family’s personal data. This is because the Information Commissioner’s Office is the appropriate body to consider her concerns.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (18 017 459)

Statement Upheld Other 29-Aug-2019

Summary: Miss X complained about the Council’s decision to stop support for her children because it considered she had not applied to the Home Office for leave to remain in the UK. There was fault in how the Council made this decision. It has agreed to apologise to Miss X, pay her £200 and review its future approach to considering whether there is evidence of applications to the Home Office.

London Borough of Newham (18 007 418)

Statement Upheld Other 27-Aug-2019

Summary: Mr X complains of failings by the Council in dealing with disclosures by his children and in managing a contact session. He says this has left them at risk of harm. While there was no fault in most of the matters complained of, a worker arrived slightly late for the contact session, leading to some awkwardness. However, the worker’s apology is sufficient for the limited injustice caused to Mr X.

London Borough of Lewisham (18 009 617)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 19-Aug-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about a data breach involving her granddaughter. This is because the Information Commissioner’s Office is in a better position than the Ombudsman to deal with her concerns.

London Borough of Merton (18 019 708)

Statement Upheld Other 15-Aug-2019

Summary: Mr F complains about the Council’s handling of a child protection investigation and conference. Mr F and the Council have agreed a settlement. I do not consider further investigation by the Ombudsman would lead to a different outcome.