Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about supported living. Further investigation will not lead to a different outcome.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained to the Council about his Support Workers. He said they did not listen to him and argued with him. He said his supported living arrangements were affecting his mental health. Mr X also complained his Social Worker did not respond to his contact. He wants the Support Workers to recognise their behaviour is wrong.

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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 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 or continue an investigation if we decide:
• there is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement, or

• further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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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. The Council arranges supported living for Mr X. Following his complaint the supported living provider (the Provider) met with Mr X and discussed his concerns. It explained why support staff took certain approaches when supporting Mr X, and why that meant he felt he was not being listened to. It agreed to provide advice to staff about supporting Mr X and to look at further strategies to support Mr X.
6. Mr X’s Social Worker also met with him and agreed a communication plan. That included twice monthly meetings with his Social Worker. His Social Worker gave Mr X a process he could follow for reporting concerns. He said these should be made to the Provider in the first instance.
7. Although Mr X is unhappy with the Council’s complaint response, we will not investigate. There is nothing to suggest the Support Workers have behaved inappropriately towards Mr X. The Council has taken satisfactory steps to address Mr X’s concerns. Further investigation by the Ombudsman would not lead to a different outcome.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr 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