Summary: The Ombudsman has discontinued Ms X’s complaint about delay by the Council in providing flooring and a cooker. This is because Ms X has died, so we cannot remedy any injustice the Council may have caused.

The complaint

1. Ms X complained that: The Council failed to provide adequate funding for a cooker and flooring. Ms X said because of this she had difficulties using her wheelchair and could not cook for over a year. Ms X also complained the Council failed to make reasonable adjustments and arrange a meeting with an appropriate officer. Ms X says said this lengthened the process and cost her more in funding a BSL interpreter.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint. We 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. We can decide whether to start or discontinue an investigation into a complaint within our jurisdiction. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

4. Sadly, Ms X has died. I have discontinued the investigation as even if I found fault and injustice, I cannot recommend anything to remedy any injustice to Ms X.

Back to top

Final decision

5. To discontinue the investigation.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman