Case Ref: 22 000 646 Category: Adult care services Sub Category: Charging

• Review and update its DRE guidance, particularly the ‘maximum amounts’ in light of the issues identified in this statement to ensure it does not fetter its discretion. It should also consider publishing this information or providing applicants with a copy to ensure its decision making is transparent. If it decides not to it should be able to explain why.

Case Ref: 21 013 391 Category: Benefits and tax Sub Category: Housing benefit and council tax benefit

• The Council did not agree to review its practice and improve and I have raised its poor response in the closure letter to the CX.

Case Ref: 21 013 094 Category: Adult care services Sub Category: Assessment and care plan

• remind staff about the importance of completing financial assessments quickly and, if requested and within reason, when there is a challenge about an outstanding debt;
• review and if necessary, provide guidance for those presenting applications for funding and their managers about what information panel members need for funding approval;
• record and keep minutes of funding panels.

Case Ref: 21 010 079 Category: Adult care services Sub Category: Safeguarding

• Remind staff about the need to properly record the reasons for closing a safeguarding investigation to ensure public interest issues are not missed.

Case Ref: 21 006 765 Category: Environment and regulation Sub Category: Refuse and recycling

• Create a formal policy for contaminated recycling waste identification and collection.

Case Ref: 21 004 446 Category: Housing Sub Category: Homelessness

• Remind housing officers to complete inspections of temporary accommodation, or get evidence from the landlord of its condition, before moving someone into the property.

Case Ref: 21 002 587 Category: Environment and regulation Sub Category: Noise

• Share this decision with the relevant staff.

Case Ref: 20 011 417 Category: Children's care services Sub Category: Looked after children

• The Council agreed to reviewits safeguarding policies and procedures to find out if any changes are neededto prevent to make sure all LADO investigations are followed up and comply with the statutory safeguarding process.

Case Ref: 21 006 331 Category: Housing Sub Category: Allocations

• The Council has agreed to review how it ensures all applicants are informed of the outcome of their application for the housing allocations scheme and any appeal rights in a timely manner.
• The Council will review how it considers complaints where third parties are acting on behalf of the Council
• The Council has agreed to communicate with staff from the Council and agencies acting on its behalf about which roles each party are responsible for and how to manage communication going forward.

Case Ref: 21 005 000 Category: Housing Sub Category: Allocations

• The Council has agreed to ensure all housing staff are aware of the Council’s legal duties in respect of homelessness and the content of the Council’s housing allocations policy.