Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the way Mr B was made to feel by a Care Provider. This is because there is no significant injustice and nothing to achieve from an Ombudsman investigation.

The complaint

1. Mr B complains because he is unhappy with the way a Care Provider spoke to him. Mr B says he was upset by comments made by the Care Provider that he ‘was only in it for the money’ and wants a written apology from the Care Provider.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about adult social care providers. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we believe:

• the injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement.

(Local Government Act 1974, sections 34B(8) and (9))

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. Mr B perceived the comments made by a Care Provider as unkind and untrue. However, further investigation by the Ombudsman could not change that view and, although Mr B is upset by the comments, we could not say he has been caused a significant enough injustice to warrant an Ombudsman investigation.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint because the injustice caused is not significant enough to warrant an Ombudsman investigation.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman