The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council not completing an adult social care assessment. There is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement.
The complaint
Mx Y complained the Council had not completed an assessment of their adult social care needs. They said because of this, they were not getting the support they needed. Mx Y wants the Council to complete a care assessment.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
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 our involvement. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
We will not investigate Mx Y’s complaint the Council has not assessed their care needs or provided them with support. The Council has confirmed it has arranged weekly support for Mx Y. It has also allocated Mx Y a Social Worker. They will complete the assessment when Mx Y is ready. As Mx Y receives support, and the offer of an adult social care assessment is available, there is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mx Y’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman