The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council did not assess Mr X as needing supported living. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement.
The complaint
Mr X complained the Council stopped funding his supported living arrangement. He said he needs additional support due to his learning disability and mental health.
Mr X said the alternative housing the Council suggested is not appropriate. He wants the Council to reconsider its decision and to go back to his previous living arrangement.
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 investigating. (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
Mr X complained to the Council about its decision to stop funding a supported living arrangement. In its response the Council said Mr X had a number of placements which either ended because he ended the tenancy, or the provider gave him notice.
It said it had completed a Care Act Assessment in January 2025. That did not identify Mr X required supported living and recommended that he was supported to move into his own flat due to previous placement breakdowns. The Council said it would continue to meet Mr X’s needs through outreach support and universal services.
We will not investigate this complaint. The Council made its decision based on a Care Act Assessment and explained its reasons to Mr X in its complaint response letter. It said it would continue to meet Mr X’s eligible needs through outreach support and universal services. It also signposted him to support for his mental health. We will not investigate this complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify the Ombudsman’s involvement.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman