Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council not allowing the installation of slip resistant flooring to the general areas of Miss X’s property as part of her disabled facilities grant works. This is because an investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

The complaint

1. Miss X complains the Council will not allow installation of slip resistant flooring to the general areas of her property as part of her disabled facilities grant works.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Ombudsman investigates complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we decide further investigation would not lead to a different outcome. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))

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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. Miss X applied for a disabled facilities grant (DFG). An assessment was completed by an occupational therapist who recommended slip resistant flooring to essential facilities.
6. Miss X was unhappy with this as she wanted slip resistant flooring to the general use areas of her home, as well as to essential facilities.
7. The Council has now agreed to install slip resistant flooring to all the areas Miss X asked for.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman