The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a lack of support for the complainant. This is because the problem has been resolved.
The complaint
The complainant, whom I refer to as Mr X, complains the Council is not providing the support he needs.
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 or may decide not to continue with an investigation if the problem has been resolved. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code and invited Mr X to comment on a draft of this decision.
My assessment
Mr X says the Council is not providing the support he needs. He complains a social worker was accompanied by a student during a visit and he asked them to leave. Since then, Mr X says he has been left without support.
The Council has recently assessed Mr X’s needs and drawn up a support plan. These have been sent to Mr X for comment. Once Mr X has made any comments the Council will finalise the needs assessment and support plan.
The Council will also do a carer’s assessment for Mr X’s son, liaise with the housing team as Mr X would like to move, and arrange support for Mr X from a mental health team. The Council apologised for the social worker being late for a meeting and for bringing a student.
I will not investigate this complaint because the Council is in the process of assessing Mr X’s needs and preparing a support plan. It is also assisting with other issues such as Mr X’s housing needs and assessing the needs of his son.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because the problem has been resolved.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman