The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the way the Council granted a Repair Wellbeing Grant. The Council has offered to pay Mrs Y £600 for distress and acknowledgement that it should have notified her when it approved the grant and the increases made to the original amount. We consider this a suitable remedy to Mrs Y’s concerns.
The complaint
Mr X complains for Mrs Y. He says the Council wrongly granted a Repair Wellbeing Grant (RWG) to adapt a property which is part owned by Mrs Y.
He says Mrs Y thought the grant was for a new bathroom. Instead a wet room has been installed which Mrs Y says makes the property less appealing and reduces its value.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
It is our decision whether to start, and when to end an investigation into something the law allows us to investigate. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended) If we are satisfied with an organisation’s actions or proposed actions, we can complete our investigation and issue a decision statement. (Local Government Act 1974, section 30(1B) and s34H(1), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X says a third-party pressured Mrs Y to sign the grant application forms in a rush. He says she did not read them properly before she signed them.
The Council confirms the application form stated it was for a level access shower and associated works. It also confirms that during the work damp was discovered at the property. The grant was increased to repair the damp before completing the level access shower.
The Council accepts it should have written to all signatories to the application, advising them of the increase in grant money because of the need to repair the damp. It has offer to pay Mrs Y £100 for the distress she has suffered and £500 for failing to notify her about the approval of the grant and the increases made.
I understand Mrs X did not realise the application was for a level access shower. However, she is responsible for ensuring she was fully informed before signing legal documents.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because we consider the Council’s offer of £600 for distress and failing to notify Mrs Y about the approval of the grant and the increase is a suitable remedy.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman