Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about @.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I will call Mr X, complains that the Council lacks an understanding of co-production and this means it was not properly used when changes were proposed to the Learning Disability Partnership Board (LDPB) for which Mr X acts as Carers Representative.

Back to top

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, or
• any fault has not caused injustice to the person who complained, or
• any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement.

(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

Back to top

My assessment

5. The Council proposed changes to the LDPB, with those with Learning Difficulties taking a more central role and with a greater representation, although Carers Representatives would still be part of the LDPB. During a meeting the chair of the LDPB said these changes were made using co-production. Whilst Mr X acknowledges that some consultation did take place, Mr X disputes the council’s claim that this was under co-production. Mr X feels the Council fails to understand the concept of co-production and that staff should be educated about the process.
6. I will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault which has caused Mr X a significant injustice. Caring Representatives still form part of the LDPB and so carers are still represented Whilst Mr X feels very strongly about the LDPB and has provided an important role as carer representative, it is for the Council to decide the scope and attendance of the meetings. Whilst it could be argued whether co-production was used or not, the Council did carry out consultation before making its decision.

Back to top

Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault causing him a significant injustice.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman