Charnwood Borough Council (22 011 886)
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: Mr X complains that the Council gave incorrect information to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which caused difficulties with his Universal Credit entitlement. We will not investigate this complaint because the matter has been remedied.
The complaint
- Mr X complains that the Council gave incorrect information to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which caused difficulties with his Universal Credit entitlement.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we are satisfied with the actions an organisation has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
- The complainant had an opportunity to comment on my draft decision.
My assessment
- The Council provided information to the DWP in 2022 about Mr X’s Discretionary Hardship payment. It accepts that this information should not have been provided because it was not a payment of benefit.
- The Council has apologised and offered compensation of £300.
- I note that the incorrect information would have caused some time and trouble to Mr X. However, I consider that the apology and compensation are sufficient to remedy the matter.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman