The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to do a loft conversion funded by a Disabled Facilities Grant. This is because the Council is revising the decision and considering approving a loft conversion.
The complaint
The complainant, whom I refer to as Ms X, complains the Council will not do a loft conversion funded by a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). She wants the Council to fund a loft conversion.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Ombudsman investigates 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 an investigation if the Council is exploring a resolution. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6)) We can decide whether to start an investigation into a complaint within our jurisdiction. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Ms X and the Council. This includes information from the Council that is reconsidering the decision. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code and spoke to Ms X after she received a draft of this decision.
My assessment
Ms X has two children with disabilities who each need extra space. Ms X applied for a DFG. The Council awarded a DFG to convert the children’s double bedroom into two single rooms. Ms X says this will not be suitable and says the Council has ignored the needs of one child. Ms X wants the Council to award a DFG for a loft conversion.
The Council is now reassessing the case and is reconsidering whether to award a DFG for a loft conversion.
I will not investigate this complaint because the Council is reconsidering the case.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because the Council is reconsidering the DFG application.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman