Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council (24 019 512)

Statement Upheld Direct payments 28-Jul-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council changed the expenses it allowed under direct payments and its communication with him about this was poor. We upheld the complaint because communication was not in line with our expected standards. The Council will apologise, make a symbolic payment and issue Mr X with a comprehensive statement about the expenses the Council allows for Mr Y’s direct payment based on his current care and support plan.

Manchester City Council (25 006 666)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Direct payments 28-Jul-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the support provided to Miss X by Adult Social Care Services. This is because it is unlikely we would find fault.

London Borough of Haringey (23 013 847)

Statement Upheld Direct payments 24-Jul-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council stopped his son Mr Y’s direct payment and did not manage the transition from childrens to adult social care adequately. We upheld the complaint. The Council did not deal with the transition in line with the Children Act 1989 or Care Act 2014. This meant Mr Y missed out on care and support to which he had a legal entitlement and Mr X lost out on opportunities to have a regular break from his caring role. Both suffered avoidable distress. The Council will apologise, make payments to reflect the injustice and review its services to ensure transition cases are dealt with in a timely manner.

Essex County Council (24 021 666)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Direct payments 29-Jun-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to stop direct payments. This is because some complaint matters are late and there is no good reason to exercise discretion to consider them. In addition, of the matters remaining, there is not enough evidence of fault.

Central Bedfordshire Council (24 017 351)

Statement Not upheld Direct payments 23-Jun-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council has not made statutory redundancy payments to Ms B and Ms C. He says this caused stress and financial strain. The Ombudsman finds no fault with the Council’s decision making.

Central Bedfordshire Council (24 017 352)

Statement Not upheld Direct payments 23-Jun-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council has not made statutory redundancy payments to Ms B and Ms C. He says this caused stress and financial strain. The Ombudsman finds no fault with the Council’s decision making.

London Borough of Croydon (24 011 655)

Statement Upheld Direct payments 11-Jun-2025

Summary: Ms C complains about the Council’s decision to reduce her sister’s direct payment. I have found no procedural fault in the way the Council has reached its decision. It is however at fault for failing to address all Ms C’s complaints. To remedy the complaint the Council has agreed to apologise to Ms C and make service improvements.

City of Wolverhampton Council (24 018 857)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Direct payments 11-Jun-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to agree to pay direct payments. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault with how the Council reached its decision not to provide direct payments.

Derbyshire County Council (24 021 634)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Direct payments 18-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s reduction of an adult social care personal budget. The Council followed a proper process of assessment, completed by a suitable member of staff, to decide how to meet the complainant's needs. There is not enough evidence of fault, and no reason for the Ombudsman to question or criticise the Council’s decision, even though the complainant strongly disagrees with it.

Warrington Council (24 020 607)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Direct payments 07-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s refusal to pay the full cost of the complainant’s care. This is because the matter has been to court.