Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s Adult Social Care provision to Mr X because there is not enough evidence of fault.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council’s residential care provision is poor quality and his social worker does not communicate with him often enough. He says he wants to move accomodation but has been unable to do so.

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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 investigating.

(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 Mr X and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. The Council’s final complaint response to Mr X explained his care records did not support his concerns of poor care or poor communication. The Council confirmed it would help him to move accommodation.
6. I have reviewed Mr X’s care records. I am satisfied these support the Council’s complaint findings. They also demonstrate the Council has been seeking alternative accomodation for Mr X. There is not enough evidence of fault.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman