Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (23 018 403)
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: we have discontinued our investigation to allow the Council to complete its complaints process.
The complaint
- Mr X and Ms Y complain the Council frustrated their attempts to resume their fostering career. They complain the Council failed to increase their fostering payments during their suspension and ended their payments in December 2022.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers.
- It allows us to decide whether to start, and when to end, an investigation. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
- I have considered information provided by Mr X and Ms Y and the Council.
What I found
- Mr X and Ms Y complained to us in February 2024 and again in April 2024. They explained they had complained to the Council in November 2023 but had yet to receive a response.
- We began an investigation and made preliminary enquiries.
- The Council will shortly consider Mr X and Ms Y’s complaint at the third and final stage of its complaints process.
- Mr X and Ms Y would like to complete the Council’s complaints process. I have, therefore, discontinued my investigation.
- Mr X and Ms Y may complain to the Ombudsman again once the Council has completed its complaints process if they remain dissatisfied.
Final decision
- I have discontinued my investigation to allow the Council to complete its complaints process.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman