Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about children’s and adult social care over many years. This is because we cannot carry out a full, fair and effective investigation into the Council’s actions now due to the significant passage of time since the events complained about.

The complaint

1. Ms C says the Council failed her relative, Ms D, over many years through both children’s and adult services. Ms C says the Council completed inadequate assessments, delayed and did not communicate well, and has not provided suitable support and housing. Ms C says this has impacted Ms D’s development through her adolescent years and into adulthood. It has also impacted the family’s health and wellbeing. Ms C says this has created a cycle of disadvantage that could have been mitigated with proper intervention at an earlier stage.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. It is our decision whether to start, and when to end an investigation into something the law allows us to investigate. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. Ms C’s complaint is about historical matters. Ms C gives no reason why she did not raise her concerns sooner.

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Final decision

5. We will not investigate Ms C’s complaint because I am not confident there is a realistic prospect of reaching a sound, fair and meaningful decision. I am not satisfied that Ms C could not have complained sooner.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman