Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint about the Council’s actions regarding his daughter’s, Ms C’s placement. This is because further investigation by the Ombudsman could not achieve a different response to that already provided to Mr B.

The complaint

1. Mr B complained about transition arrangements in place for his daughter, Ms C. Mr B says there were delays in sorting out a placement for Ms C. He says he did not pull out of the planned move but felt the Council were bullying him into its preferred option. Mr B says the Council failed to include him in Ms C’s wheelchair assessments, failed to communicate properly and wants to be treated with respect.

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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 explained it had to explore all options for Ms C’s future placement including Mr B’s preferred option, in order to ensure Ms C’s future care and support needs can be met. It says Ms C’s bungalow is nearing completion and a transition period is being arranged to ensure she has a smooth move into her new accommodation. The Council apologised there was a gap between December 2020 and February 2021 when Ms C’s Social Worker left and says it has now developed a ‘Who to Contact’ leaflet for customers when there are changes to support. It also apologised it did not tell Mr B prior to undertaking Ms C’s wheelchair assessment. Is says it will ensure clients and family members/carers are informed in the future. The Council says it will undertake a carers assessment for Mr B to provide him with support during the transition period and into the future.
6. Further investigation could not add to this There is no ongoing injustice warranting an Ombudsman investigation.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint because we could not add to the Council’s response or make a different finding even if we investigated.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman