The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint stating the Council failed to progress a Disabled Facilities Grant for his disabled relative. This is because the complaint has been made late, and I see no good reason why Mr X could not have complained in time.
The complaint
In short, Mr X says the Council failed to make suitable provision to progress a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to enable his relative to access their home. Mr X says a Council officer agreed the DFG could be transferred to a new build property and then changed their mind.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we decide the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended) We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B)
How I considered this complaint
I considered the information provided by the complainant. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X has provided a copy of the Council’s complaint response from September 2023. It says a DFG application for one property cannot be used on a different property. It also mentions that a new assessment is likely to be required.
We will not investigate as Mr X’s complaint is caught by the time bar on Ombudsman’s powers. I see no reason why Mr X could not have complained in time.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman