A couple with a disabled son complained that there was undue delay by both Councils in considering possible adaptations to their home to cater for the needs of their son. They complain that, as a result, they have been unable to care for him in the way they would have wished.
The Ombudsman found MALADMINISTRATION CAUSING INJUSTICE
for the delay by the County Council in assessing the boy's needs in being cared for at home and because the decision of the District Council to refuse the adaptation recommended by the County Council was based on irrelevant factors.
The Ombudsman also criticised the County Council for a six month delay in securing improvements which had been agreed as necessary.
To remedy the injustice, the Ombudsman recommended that the County Council
should agree to fund an independent assessment of future care plans for the disabled teenager. Both Councils should consider whether to fund any provision recommended in the report. The Ombudsman also recommended that the
District Council should pay the complainants ?150 in recognition of their distress and anxiety, and that both Councils should make payments of ?125 to recognise the complainants' time and trouble in making their complaint.
The Council now has to consider the report and tell the Local Government Ombudsman what action it proposes to take. The report may be inspected and copies taken by the public under arrangements to be made by the Council. The law does not permit the Local Government Ombudsman to publish the real name and address of the complainant.
The procedure for making a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman is explained in a free booklet, Complaint about the council? How to complain to the Local Government Ombudsman
obtainable (in English and in nine other languages) from council offices, Citizens' Advice Bureaux, or direct from 21 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9BU.
FURThER INFOR~ON
For enqijifles about this particular report, contact:
Andrew Morgan Tel: 01203 695999
For frrther i?*)rmation about the Local Government Ombudsman service, contact.
Rob Rundle Tel: 01719153286/3210