Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision that Ms X did not meet the eligibility criteria for support under the Care Act 2014. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement.

The complaint

1. Ms X complained the Council did not provide her with support following a referral. She said she has been abandoned by all Council services, and experienced abuse and neglect. She wants the Council to provide her with support.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints of injustice caused by ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. I have used the word fault to refer to these. We consider whether there was fault in the way an organisation made its decision. If there was no fault in how the organisation made its decision, we cannot question the outcome. (Local Government Act 1974, section 34(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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My assessment

5. Ms X was referred to the Council and it allocated her a social worker who completed a Care Act Assessment.
6. The assessment recorded Miss X did not agree to undertake the wellbeing checklist. The assesment considered Ms X’s diagnosis, physical and mental health. It considered Ms X’s views on what support she required and recorded that she wanted to remain as independent as possible.
7. The Council discussed appropriate support agencies with Ms X including assistance for housing and administration support and provided details for the Single Point of Access team. Ms X declined a referral for floating support and also declined assistance following a referral to the Mental Health team.
8. We will not investigate this complaint. The Council reviewed Ms X’s care and support needs and considered her views. Miss X did not meet the criteria for support under the Care Act 2014 but was provided the contact details for other agencies and offered referrals to alternative services. She was informed that her GP could request a further assessment if her needs changed. There is not enough evidence for fault to justify our involvement.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence to justify our involvement.

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman