Summary: Mr X’s complaint about how the Council was dealing with adaptions to his home has been resolved. The complaint will be discontinued.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the way the Council is dealing with adaptations to his home.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word fault to refer to these. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint. I refer to this as ‘injustice’. If there has been fault which has caused an injustice, we may suggest a remedy. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26(1) and 26A(1), as amended)
3. If we are satisfied with a council’s actions or proposed actions, we can complete our investigation and issue a decision statement. (Local Government Act 1974, section 30(1B) and 34H(i), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered the information submitted by Mr X, and the Council’s response.

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What I found

5. Mr X had an external ramp fitted in 2002 under a Disabled facilities Grant; it met the required building regulations at the time.
6. In 2021 the Council completed a further assessment for a ceiling hoist. During assessment the occupational therapist noted the external ramp fitted previously was no longer safe.
7. The Council told Mr X he could only have the ceiling hoist if he also agrees to a step-lift.
8. Mr X does not want a step-lift because if it breaks down he will be unable to leave the house. He wants a guaranteed access point so he can maintain independence.
9. Mr X contacted the Ombudsman on 29 July 2021 to say the matter has been resolved and he no longer wishes to pursue his complaint.

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Final decision

10. The matters Mr X complained about have been resolved. The investigation will be discontinued.
11. It is on this basis; the complaint will be closed.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman