Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the lack of information for people with Autism on the Council’s website. This is because the Council has acknowledged the fault, apologised to Mr B, engaged a new Autism Lead who will contact Mr B as part of his work in developing the Autism strategy. We are satisfied these actions remedy the fault and any injustice caused to Mr B. Further investigation by us is not warranted.

The complaint

1. Mr B complained he could not find information about where to get help and support with Autism on the Council’s website. Mr B says the Autism information he was directed to was exclusively for children and there was nothing for adults. Mr B wants the Council to provide a list on its website for adults which directs people to the services available and says how to access them.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse effect on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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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. The Council apologised to Mr B that he had experienced difficulty in accessing information about services for adults with Autism.
6. It confirmed the Council’s information on its website relating to Autism Services was out of date but said it is in the process of addressing this. It advised Mr B it has now engaged a new Autism Lead and suggested if he wishes, he can be contacted as part of developing the Autism Strategy.
7. Mr B can ask the new Autism Lead to consider whether it should have a list of contacts and explain why this would be helpful for people with Autism. We are satisfied an apology, recruitment of a New Autism Lead and offer to contact Mr B remedies the fault and any injustice caused.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint because we are satisfied with the actions taken by the Council and further investigation is not warranted.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman