Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about adult social care, because the care package was arranged and funded by the NHS.

The complaint

1. Ms C says a care provider lost items of her relative’s clothing and other items. Ms C had to visit the care home despite her own health issues and had to buy replacement clothing. Ms C told us she thought the Council had arranged the care placement.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We cannot investigate complaints about actions which are not the administrative function of a council. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(1) as amended).
4. We investigate complaints about councils and certain other bodies. We cannot investigate the actions of bodies such as Integrated Care Boards. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 25 and 34(1), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

5. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
6. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

7. Although Ms C thought the Council arranged the care placement, our enquiries have found out the NHS arranged and funded the care placement.

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Final decision

8. We cannot investigate Ms C’s complaint because we have no powers to investigate care arranged by the NHS.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman