Inter-agency benefit data sharing
Barriers preventing local authorities from accessing essential benefit data (e.g., Pension Credit, Universal Credit) from central government.
Source spread
Where this theme appears
This theme appears across 14 independent accountability sources, so the source mix matters as much as the headline total.
15 inquiry recs
63 PFD reports
183 committee recs
1 HMICFRS rec
8 ICIBI recs
7 PPO recs
8 IOPC recs
26 NAO recs
14 IMB recs
2 IMB reports
1 Article 2 learning point
2 detention investigation recs
9 PHSO decisions
119 LGO/SPSO decisions
Browse by source
Source-grouped records are useful for tracing where a concern came from. Large sections show the 50 strongest matches for that source; counts still show the full theme total.
Inquiry recommendations(15)
SP36 — Sharing information about closed Prevent referrals
Recommendation: Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters and the Home Office should assess and issue clear guidance on best practice for sharing appropriate information about closed Prevent referrals. This guidance should ensure that relevant professional agencies outside Counter Terrorism Policing, including local police …
Response Pending
SP27 — Cross-force information sharing review
Recommendation: Lancashire Constabulary and Merseyside Police should review the effectiveness of their information‑sharing systems and consider whether a more robust process is required. Findings should be shared with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing for consideration as to …
Response Pending
SP25 — Operation Encompass cross-border extension
Recommendation: Lancashire Constabulary should consider extending Operation Encompass to share automatically relevant information with schools in bordering areas. The Department for Education should consider national implementation. This is because children will not necessarily attend school in the same police force area …
Response Pending
LAMI-24 — Alert education authorities when school-age child is not attending school
Recommendation: Where, during the course of an assessment, social services establish that a child of school age is not attending school, they must alert the education authorities and satisfy themselves that, in the interim, the child is subject to adequate daycare …
Unknown
LAMI-23 — Notify receiving authority of out-of-area child placements and retain responsibility
Recommendation: If social services place a child in accommodation in another local authority area, they must notify that local authority’s social services department of the placement. Unless specifically agreed in writing at team manager level by both authorities or above, the …
Unknown
LAMI-17 — Explore feasibility of a national children's database for safeguarding children under 16
Recommendation: The Government should actively explore the benefit to children of setting up and operating a national children’s database on all children under the age of 16. A feasibility study should be a prelude to a pilot study to explore its …
Unknown
LAMI-16 — Issue guidance on data protection and confidentiality for child welfare information sharing
Recommendation: The Government should issue guidance on the Data Protection Act 1998, the Human Rights Act 1998, and common law rules on confidentiality. The Government should issue guidance as and when these impact on the sharing of information between professional groups …
Unknown
R31 — Additional database access for CRB
Recommendation: As a priority, legislation should be brought forward to enable the CRB to access the following additional databases for the purpose of vetting: Her Majesty's Customs & Excise; National Criminal Intelligence Service; National Crime Squad; British Transport Police; and the …
Gov response: The Home Secretary made a statement to Parliament on 22 June 2004, the day the Bichard Inquiry Report was published, accepting all 31 recommendations in full. The government stated it was "in principle, accepting Sir …
Accepted
RHI-33 — HMT Communication Protocol
Recommendation: The protocol for relations with HMT, namely that the Northern Ireland Department of Finance must be the sole conduit of formal communication, should be reinforced and widely understood across the Northern Ireland Civil Service. The Department of Finance, for its …
Gov response: [Note: The NI Executive responded to recommendations 19-23, 29-33 together as a group under the 'Governance and Financial Controls' theme.] Accepted in full. Protocol for engagement with HMT issued. DoF keeps the information sharing and …
Accepted
RHI-18 — Inter-Governmental Framework
Recommendation: More generally, we recommend a Northern Ireland government-wide framework for information exchange and, where appropriate, co-operation between the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Whitehall Departments and (where relevant) Departments of other devolved Governments and of the Government of the Republic of …
Gov response: [Note: The NI Executive responded to recommendations 8-18, 24, 26-28, 32b, 34-36 together as a group under the 'Professional Skills, Resourcing, Record Keeping and Raising Concerns' themes.] NI Executive Response (October 2021): These recommendations can …
Accepted
HIA-9 — Social Security Payments Unaffected
Recommendation: We also recommend that social security payments should not be affected by lump sum payments awarded by the HIA Redress Board.
Gov response: No formal government response published.
Accepted
WATE-(49) — Mandate joint inspection programmes for educational and welfare oversight of residential schools
Recommendation: The agencies responsible for educational and welfare inspections of private residential schools accommodating children with SEN pursuant to section 347 of the Education Act 1996 should be required to agree joint programmes of inspection and reporting.
Unknown
WATE-(22) — Conduct inter-agency review of child abuse investigation procedures to issue guidance
Recommendation: In the light of the recent experience gained in both England and Wales in major investigations of alleged wide ranging abuse of children in care/looked after children, an inter-agency review of the procedures followed and personnel employed in those investigations …
Unknown
P1-11 — Share HTA reports with reliant organisations
Recommendation: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust must proactively share Human Tissue Authority reports with organisations that rely on Human Tissue Authority licensing for assurance of the service provided by the mortuary.
Gov response: Implemented. The Trust now proactively shares HTA reports with organisations that rely on the mortuary services. (Source: Trust assurance statement, February 2024; confirmed in Written Ministerial Statement HCWS132, 15 October 2024)
Accepted
R1 — National IT system for police intelligence
Recommendation: A national IT system for England and Wales to support police intelligence should be introduced as a matter of urgency. The Home Office should take the lead and report by December 2004 with clear targets for implementation.
Gov response: The Home Secretary made a statement to Parliament on 22 June 2004, the day the Bichard Inquiry Report was published, accepting all 31 recommendations in full. The government stated it was "in principle, accepting Sir …
Accepted
Prevention of Future Deaths reports(63)— showing 50 strongest matches
Rosemary Brownyn Ferguson
Concerns: Poor communication between hospital staff and Social Services led to a discharge without support. Unclear instructions given to a friend regarding patient care, combined with scanty hospital notes, created significant misunderstandings and risks.
Overdue
Christine Williamson
Concerns: Failure to assess the deceased as a vulnerable adult at risk from domestic violence and a critical lack of information sharing between agencies hindered preventative measures.
Response (Telford Wrekin Council): Telford & Wrekin Council has compiled a plan of action building upon recommendations made in the Domestic Homicide Review report, and the implementation of the action plan will be formally …
Response (Telford Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group): The Adult Safeguarding Policy and Thresholds has been recirculated, domestic abuse leaflets and guidance has been circulated, and an education and training event for Telford & Wrekin GPs and Practice …
Response (West Mercia Police): West Mercia Police will provide a reminder regarding the requirement to complete DASH; Crime Reports and Vulnerable Adult documentation to all operational staff. The tactical equality and diversity advisor has …
Responded
Andrew Cairns, Rachael Slack and Auden Slack
Concerns: Police failed to inform the Mental Health Team of an arrest for threats to kill despite knowing of a recent mental health assessment; an existing information-sharing policy was also undisclosed.
Overdue
Dana Baker
Concerns: Inadequate inter-agency communication and a lack of shared knowledge, exacerbated by confidential Individual Management Reviews, prevented a comprehensive understanding of mutual concerns.
Response (Safeguarding Children Board): The WSCB acknowledges the concerns but states that national practice is followed and questions if the report should have been directed to the Department for Education. The guidance in place …
Responded
Satheeskumar Mahatheaven
Concerns: Failures in information sharing, multi-agency communication procedures, and inadequate training contributed to an accident within prison services.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): HMP Pentonville and HMP Thameside have implemented local policies to ensure appropriate information sharing and effective communication between prison staff and healthcare providers. Community GP records are now routinely requested …
Responded
Robert Spring
Concerns: Inadequate communication channels failed to inform the Fire and Rescue Service about high-risk home oxygen users who smoked, preventing assessment for crucial safety equipment like smoke alarms and flame-retardant bedding.
Response (United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust): United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has met with Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue and Air Liquide to agree a process for sharing information, formalized the discharge process, and included a documented …
Responded
Mark Groombridge
Concerns: There was no direct communication between the local offender manager and the clinician responsible for the patient's care before the recall paperwork was issued, and there was confusion about the recall process among probation staff.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): While the Director of Probation believes existing guidance on offender recall is clear, Deputy Directors will ensure probation staff are reminded of procedures by 31 August. The Public Protection Casework …
Responded
Terence Pimm
Concerns: Deficiencies in police call handling, record-keeping, and inter-agency information sharing hampered risk assessment for individuals with mental health issues. Insufficient training also affected police in identifying immediate risk and mental health assessors.
Response (Essex Partnership University NHS Trust): The Trust has directed all health-based place of safety calls through a new call centre where calls are recorded and documented. They have also reinforced to staff the importance of …
Response (Essex Police): Essex Police have instructed switchboard operators to refer public calls not concerning a person in custody to the Force Control Room, and advised custody suite staff on handling detainee-related calls. …
Responded
Fallon Abby
Concerns: Lack of a protocol for contacting social workers led to a failure in obtaining valuable collateral history and sharing crucial information, depriving the patient of support upon discharge.
Response (East London NHS Trust): The Trust's safeguarding children training will include information about the Leaving Care Team, and bespoke training will be provided to ward managers and matrons for cascading to staff. The ward's …
Responded
Benjamin Williamson
Concerns: The CMHT repeatedly discharged a patient with co-occurring mental health and alcohol issues, while Addaction failed to communicate with his GP or address consent for information sharing, creating a significant care gap.
Response (Addaction): Addaction has reviewed and improved how they record confidentiality and consent reviews. They will provide the Health Centre with client numbers, have a designated worker attend practice multi-disciplinary team meetings …
Response (Kernow CCG NHS Trust): NHS Kernow is working with partner agencies to implement a multi-agency strategy, including developing a dynamic risk register for individuals with dual diagnosis, with priority given to immediate actions. Contract …
Responded
Donna Williamson
Concerns: The report identifies failures in repairing and securing a door, informing the victim of the suspect's release on bail, and the MARAC process's inability to protect chaotic, non-engaging individuals, alongside concerns about GPs' knowledge of disclosing confidential information.
Response: The Royal College of General Practitioners highlights existing guidance on information sharing and safeguarding, and the LGA has highlighted the importance of learning from Domestic Homicide Reviews at a national …
Overdue
Ellie Long
Concerns: The coroner highlights failures in record keeping and communication with external agencies, specifically that records were not properly recorded, handwritten notes were not reflected in electronic records and updating information was not sent to the GP or school.
Response (Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Trust): Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Trust details actions planned including; instructing all clinical services to review their working practice in respect of record keeping and communication with partner agencies and a …
Responded
Lesley Armstrong
Concerns: Northumbria Police failed to communicate the discontinuation of an investigation, hindering the employer's ability to inform the employee and the Safeguarding Board from progressing their duties.
Response (Northumbria Police): Northumbria Police argues that it already has a system for reminding officers to inform suspects of the outcome of police investigations, that decisions to disclose information to employers can only …
Responded
Tarek Chowdhury
Concerns: There is a failure to share critical prisoner information between HMPPS and immigration detention facilities, alongside issues with the SystmOne records system's functionality and staff training.
Overdue
David Jukes
Concerns: Critical information was withheld from mental health assessors in custody, and communication breakdowns meant existing mental health teams failed to assess the patient, despite being notified, creating significant risk.
Response (NHS England): NHS England and NHS Improvement will hold a national event by the end of March 2020 to discuss information sharing issues with liaison and diversion practitioners, NHS Commissioners, and police …
Response (Staffordshire Police): Staffordshire Police argues that adequate information *was* available on the custody record and that the Liaison and Diversion practitioner could have requested further information from custody staff, therefore no action …
Response (Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust): Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust has increased resources to all Home Treatment Teams, launched two Quality Improvement Projects and is recruiting additional staff to improve services.
Response (Black Country Partnership NHS Trust): Black Country Partnership NHS Trust has taken several actions, including reviewing the L&D process, providing additional training to staff, and improving access to mental health databases, including rolling out staff …
Response (NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB): NHS Birmingham and Solihull CCG highlights increased investment into mental health services including crisis cafes and crisis houses to improve accessibility and experience of those in crisis and reduce the …
Responded
Simon Robinson
Concerns: The current partnership agreement inadequately addresses mental health crises in private places, creating a gap in effective agency response where police powers are limited despite their primary responsibility.
Response (Thames Valley Police): Thames Valley Police reviewed their Interagency Partnership Agreement and proposed amendments to clarify police response to mental health crises, with a consultation of amendments expected by April 30, 2019. The …
Responded
John Wright
Concerns: Critical self-harm risk information for incoming prisoners is poorly shared between external agencies, prison, and healthcare. Systemic gaps in IT and manual communication methods mean vital data is not consistently accessible to staff.
Response (HM Prison Probation Service): HMPPS details actions taken including; NHS England Commissioners, Mountain Healthcare, and the liaison and diversion service have been informed of the process for contacting the prison healthcare team. The courts …
Response (CARE UK): Care UK provides details of actions taken including; Healthcare staff attending prison morning meetings, maintaining a register of staff who have completed SASH training and providing ASIST training to all …
Responded
Nguyen Quyen
Concerns: A dysfunctional public protection system for offenders on life licence relied excessively on self-reporting and suffered from poor information sharing between police and probation, with inadequate monitoring and challenges to deceit.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): HMPPS is undertaking a robust recruitment drive and training programme to increase the number of qualified probation officers, with the expectation that current vacancies in the NPS will be filled …
Response (Northumbria Police): Northumbria Police has sent force-wide bulletins to officers and staff informing them of the process for sharing information/intelligence with NPS when encountering a Category 2 Level 2 or 3 offender.
Responded
John Gogarty
Concerns: A mental health trust failed to follow up and share information with the Probation Service regarding a patient associating with a high-risk individual. This breakdown in inter-agency communication prevented consideration of further safeguards.
Overdue
Cherylee Shennan
Concerns: Insufficient inter-agency communication and a lack of mandatory information sharing protocols for MAPPA Level 1 offenders with domestic abuse histories persist, despite known risks and previous reviews.
Response (Lancashire Constabulary): Lancashire Constabulary is leading a multi-agency review of the MARAC process, testing new models for responding to cases in 'live-time', and is addressing the wider family impact of domestic abuse. …
Overdue
Alexander Boamah
Concerns: A lack of process for clinicians to alert DWP about vulnerable individuals receiving large funds, particularly those without capacity, puts them at high risk of illicit substance misuse.
Response (Department for Work and Pensions): The DWP is currently reviewing its safeguarding policy and guidance with the aim of strengthening existing procedures. The review will consider communication channels between the Department and treating clinicians and …
Responded
Julius Little
Concerns: The university fails to effectively utilize mental health disclosures, relying on email invitations for support that many students do not respond to, and withholding vital information from tutors due to data protection.
Response (UCAS): UCAS is reviewing the questions asked on the application form regarding disability, learning differences, illness, or mental health conditions to improve information flow between students and course providers. They have …
Response (UAL): University of the Arts London has improved processes for engaging disabled students, including those with long-term mental health conditions, with support services. They have initiated pre- and post-enrolment email campaigns …
Responded
Nimo Younis
Concerns: There was a critical communication breakdown between mental health ward staff and police regarding a missing patient, with staff lacking understanding of police protocols and information requirements, leading to delayed high-risk classification.
Overdue
Shneur Kaye
Concerns: Safeguarding referrals were closed without parental contact, and referral information was not shared with other agencies due to data protection concerns. This practice potentially deprives social workers of vital context and undermines child protection.
Response (North Manchester Care Organisation): North Manchester Care Organisation outlines changes implemented after the incident, including revised discharge processes for children presenting to A&E with overdoses, new referral pathways for children with mental health needs, …
Response (Bury Council): Bury Council conducted a service review of the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) in early 2022, reinforcing strength-based practices and parental involvement unless safeguarding or legal reasons prevent it. The …
Responded
Jason Pendlebury
Concerns: Critical communication breakdowns and lack of information sharing between police, ambulance services, GPs, and mental health professionals repeatedly led to inadequate risk assessments and missed opportunities for mental health intervention.
Response (Greater Manchester Police): Greater Manchester Police is working towards an electronic information sharing system with NWAS to improve communication, and plans are in place to develop a training package for OCB staff including …
Response (North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust): NWAS states that a referral process was only due to go live in 2021, but has been brought forward in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The current process is …
Responded
Kelly Sutton
Concerns: Valuable non-crime domestic abuse information is fragmented and not available as a national police resource, hindering effective safeguarding of potential victims.
Response (Hertfordshire Constabulary): Hertfordshire Constabulary has implemented the Athena system for accessing intelligence and crime records across forces, and highlights the ongoing development of the national Law Enforcement Data Service (LEDS) to improve …
Responded
Faiza Ahmed
Concerns: No specific concerns are detailed in the provided text, which refers only to the jury's determination.
Response (the Department of work and Pensions): The DWP believes its processes were followed correctly but will issue a reminder to all staff about guidance related to suicidal ideation.
Response (the London Ambulance Service): Following the incident, the involved crew undertook Reflective Learning, and a Clinical Update reinforcing the assessment of Capacity was published. A new Operational Management Structure was implemented, including Stakeholder Engagement …
Response (the Metropolitan Police): The Metropolitan Police will ensure that the future structure and resourcing model of Sapphire teams meets the demands of increased reporting levels and promotes a supportive working environment, and invest …
Responded
Danny Holt-Scapens
Concerns: Inadequate interagency information sharing and a crisis team clinician's failure to contemporaneously record assessments and decision-making rationale posed risks to patient safety.
Overdue
May Miller
Concerns: Data sharing and confidentiality rules prevented GPs from disclosing crucial risk factor information to care homes without consent, hindering safeguarding due to a lack of inter-agency sharing.
Response (the Limes Residence Association): The Limes will contact receiving care homes to share information when a resident is considering a move. They will also invite local Social Services and GP practice to coffee mornings …
Response (Suffolk County Council): Suffolk County Council is undertaking a Safeguarding Adults Review, with themed learning points to be defined. The review is expected to be completed by mid-December 2020, with full sign off …
Responded
Bathsheba Shepherd
Concerns: Delays in resolving Care Programme Approach (CPA) issues between authorities and the inability of a mentally ill person to register with a GP due to a lack of documentation pose ongoing risks.
Overdue
Alan Massam
Concerns: Fragmented inter-agency communication and a lack of clear discharge protocols led to a vulnerable patient being sent to an unsuitable care home. There was also no escalation process for medication refusal, exacerbated by a national bed shortage.
Response (CQC): CQC will undertake a focused inspection of Lisburne Court, including staffing levels, training, and infection control, and meet with the Chief Executive and new Nominated Individual of Borough Care Limited …
Response (Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership): Stockport CCG has improved communication between hospital, GP and community services via a common system. GMHSCP is working across the system to look at safe discharges for people with complex …
Response (Dept of Health Social Care): The Department of Health and Social Care is preparing a new Dementia Strategy. NHS England and NHS Improvement are working with regional and local partners and the CQC. The CQC …
Responded
Darrell Spear
Concerns: Agencies failed to effectively manage identified self-neglect and hoarding risks, particularly fire hazards, due to poor inter-agency communication and a lack of clear strategy.
Overdue
Marc Bennett
Concerns: There is a critical need for Devon Partnership Trust staff to improve communication with Children's Services, especially regarding child protection investigations and providing appropriate mental health support to parents.
Overdue
Katie Locke
Concerns: Knowledge and understanding of the Potentially Dangerous Persons (PDP) process were sporadic among police and partner agencies. This lack of dissemination and training hinders the multi-agency process from effectively protecting the public.
Overdue
Samuel Alban-Stanley
Concerns: Inadequate support and psychosocial interventions were provided for a child with Prader Willi syndrome and high-risk behaviours. Poor communication between agencies also prevented coordinated care.
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): North East London Foundation Trust is working with the Kent and Medway ICS and the local authority to learn lessons from the report, and has put training in place for …
Response (Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group): Training on Prader-Willi syndrome has been provided to CYPMHS staff at NELFT, and joint posts have been created across the Local Authority and Primary Care to identify children with additional …
Response (Department for Education): The Department for Education is working with the Children’s Commissioner’s Office and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to identify ways to better improve data sharing in child safeguarding cases. They …
Responded
Spencer Barr
Concerns: Inadequate inter-agency communication and a lack of universal protocols, central contact points, and direct referral systems hindered information sharing between multiple care agencies for a high-risk patient.
Response (Birmingham Womens and Childrens NHS Foundation Trust): Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust (Forward Thinking Birmingham) and Change Grow Live have collaborated to address concerns, improve inter-agency communication, and ensure referrals are accepted from any individual …
Response (Probation Service): Probation is reviewing Information Sharing Agreements with partner agencies, is willing to participate in a multi-agency working group set up by Forward Thinking Birmingham, and has established a central point …
Responded
James Manning
Concerns: There's a lack of national guidance for urgent tonsillectomy referrals in children, especially regarding choking hazards. Delays in care occurred due to staff leave, poor communication between trusts, and inadequate incident investigation systems across company sites.
Overdue
Margaret Stringer
Concerns: The care home lacked a documented system to restrict access to harmful items for at-risk residents and staff training on isolation's impact. Crucially, there were significant failures in transferring vital suicide risk information between agencies during patient handover.
Response (Adult Community Social Care): LCC will review the format of its overview document in line with the adoption of a strength based approach framework, which is planned to be rolled out across all Adult …
Response (Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust): BTHFT will collaborate with LSCFT and LCC to examine LSCFT's Admission, Discharge and Transfer of Care Policy and Procedure, to ensure that all relevant information, including suicide risk, is known, …
Response (DAC Beachcroft): Nightingale's has implemented a new pre-admissions checklist covering relevant assessments, and will no longer admit residents with a similar history to Ms Stringer without 1:1 care. All staff receive training …
Responded
Lewis Powter
Concerns: There is no clear policy for multi-agency information sharing meetings for complex IPP offenders, particularly when agencies lack access to shared record systems.
Overdue
Diane Austin-Martin
Concerns: The report identifies a lack of mechanisms to ensure Social Services were aware of a vulnerable person's move, to ensure private care arrangements are of sufficient quality, and to maintain contact with agencies after initial claims and visits.
Response (Department of health and Social Care): The Department outlines duties and policies in Northern Ireland regarding support for vulnerable individuals moving locations and clarifies that NHS England has processes in place for managing newly registered patients, …
Responded
Jessica Laverack
Concerns: The report identifies a need for recognition of the link between domestic abuse and suicide, lack of systems to care for vulnerable individuals not meeting 'high risk' criteria, and a lack of information sharing between agencies.
Response (Ministry of Justice): The Ministry of Justice is working with the Home Office to prioritise commitments in the Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan, including investing over £230 million in tackling domestic abuse. They have …
Response (Home Office): The Home Office acknowledges the report and states that officials will provide a full response by the stated deadline.
Response (Home Office): The Home Office highlights the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, its statutory guidance published in July 2022, and the cross-Government Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan published in March. The plan includes funding, …
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): The Department of Health and Social Care is working with the Home Office on the Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan and will include measures to tackle domestic abuse in the national …
Responded
Samuel Pearson
Concerns: Multi-agency support failed during an emergency housing move for a vulnerable patient, exacerbating anxiety. A GP referral for mental health support was delayed by a long backlog, with referrers unaware of the service's capacity issues.
Response (Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust): Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust has completed a new ADAPT Operational Policy that clearly sets out expectations of information to service users and referrers regarding waiting times. An automated email will …
Response (Response London Borough of Bromley Council): The London Borough of Bromley Council will be notified as soon as possible in the event of future emergency decants, when a vulnerable person subject to social care involvement is …
Response (Clarion Housing Group): Clarion Housing Group is reviewing its alternative accommodation and related assessment process, considering how interagency working can be further embedded into its processes. The review is expected to be completed …
Responded
Derek Larkin
Concerns: Inability of Dorset Council's Adult Social Care system (Mosaic) to communicate with NHS SytemOne prevents social care teams from accessing vital patient medication and review information, hindering comprehensive care.
Response (NHS Dorset ICB): The ICB notes that patient information is accessible via the Dorset Care Record (DCR) and that this gentleman has had a DCR since February 2018, which has been accessed by …
Response (Dorset Council): Dorset Council confirms that they ensure health is consulted on medication, its use, storage and any risks at assessment and review points. They also confirm written confirmation from Health in …
Responded
Manoel Santos
Concerns: Delays in notifying foreign national offenders of immigration detention and inadequate access to legal advice are compounded by poor inter-agency communication and a lack of specialist prison staff for immigration matters.
Response (Home Office): The Home Office has implemented new commissioning and handling processes and established a Strategic Improvement Operations team within FNORC to log, review, and track recommendations from internal and external investigations, …
Response (Practice Plus Group): Practice Plus Group has implemented weekly and fortnightly meetings between healthcare management and prison governors to improve communication between agencies. They have also clarified the established process regarding concerns for …
Response (HM Prison and Probation Services): HMPPS has re-issued a notice to staff at HMP Belmarsh clarifying procedures for unlocking cell doors during the night state, emphasizing preservation of life takes precedence. Additionally, learning from probation-involved …
Overdue
Mark McKessy
Concerns: Poor inter-agency communication and a failure to recognise complex health and learning disability needs prevented coordinated care, leaving a vulnerable individual without adequate risk reduction measures.
Response (Stockport Integrated Care Partnership): Stockport Integrated Care Partnership acknowledges the concerns and highlights that a joint learning event is planned for January 2024 to strengthen information sharing and improve practice related to supporting people …
Responded
Dayle Bates
Concerns: Pharmacies lack a direct and obligated reporting system to inform Recovery Steps when service users stop collecting methadone or when wider welfare concerns arise, risking vulnerable individuals missing essential support.
Response (Recovery Steps Cumbria): Recovery Steps Cumbria clarified the prescription process and that the GP surgery owns the prescription and is responsible for the management of medication. They have undertaken work to ensure Community …
Responded
Jacob Billington
Concerns: Release of high-risk prisoners is jeopardised by inadequate interagency communication, fragmented information systems, and a lack of clear guidance and understanding for discharge planning roles.
Response (G4S Care Justice Services UK Ltd): HMP & YOI Parc has provided notice to offender managers to notify the relevant Community Offender Manager when a prisoner is being released at sentence end date and will be …
Response (West Midlands Police): West Midlands Police have updated their systems with prompts to improve the identification of those at increased risk and will work with MAPPA partners to ensure the coordinator role and …
Response (BSMHFT): BSMHFT will develop a sustainable engagement strategy with MAPPA, review the Prison Discharge Coordinator's role, and explore amendments to the Systemone interface in HMP Birmingham to record community mental health …
Response (Swansea Bay University Health Board): The health board acknowledges the concerns raised in the report but states that it has no jurisdiction/power over the actions required for some of the concerns. However, it has alerted …
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): West Midlands Probation Service is working with NHS-England Reconnect Service to ensure Probation Practitioners are aware of how to refer into this service in Prison for support “through the gate”, …
Responded
Ian Dixon
Concerns: A lack of policy governing interaction between the Council and Stockport Homes means urgent equipment requests and repairs are not reviewed, risking delays and uncompleted works.
Response (Stockport Homes): Stockport Homes will develop target timescales for adaptations, monitor major adaptations via a monthly panel, and develop a Sharepoint site for monitoring minor adaptations, all by the end of May …
Response (Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council): Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council will ensure workers follow up on adaptation requests, document them on the case management system, and strengthen the SLA with Stockport Homes by the end of …
Responded
Lily Jahany
Concerns: Student accommodation staff lacked mandatory first aid training despite residents' self-harm, and mental health teams failed to effectively gather crucial information from private psychiatrists for risk assessment, hindering comprehensive care.
Response (Student Roost): Student Roost has invested in resident wellbeing support, trained over 70 team members as Mental Health First Aiders, launched the #BehindEveryDoor campaign in partnership with Chasing the Stigma and will …
Response (Leicestershire Partnership Trust): Leicestershire Partnership Trust has updated its Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team and Mental Health Central Access Point Standard Operating Procedures to explicitly clarify professional expectations regarding information gathering by liaising …
Responded
Elizabeth McCann
Concerns: High probation caseloads, inadequate supervision for new staff, and limited information sharing protocols between agencies, coupled with severe, long-standing understaffing in police Sexual Offender Management Units, compromised effective offender management.
Response (Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust): The College has a new Standard Operating Procedure for all referrals received from external agencies. The Trust is developing an organisational approach to investigations as part of the nationally mandated …
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): The Trust's safeguarding leads have supported College leads in developing a more robust safeguarding policy for enrolees, provided additional learning sessions to college staff and volunteers, and have a rolling …
Response (Home Office): The Home Office is working with police forces to ensure improvements in effectiveness and efficiency of the system to manage sex offenders and prevent them from committing further harm, and …
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): HMPPS is developing a new Continuing Professional Development risk learning product to be piloted towards the end of this year before being launched from February 2025, and has identified SEEDS2 …
Response (GMP): No actions or plans described.
Responded
Select committee recommendations(183)— showing 50 strongest matches
#20 —
Recommendation: The Government should create a power for the Electoral Commission to compel financial institutions to provide information relating to the source funds used in regulated political donations and regulated campaign spending. This power should also apply to crypto currency platforms. …
Response Pending
#18 —
Recommendation: We welcome the proposed improvement to the Electoral Commission’s data sharing powers under Clause 69. (Conclusion, Paragraph 107)
Response Pending
#8 —
Recommendation: The Committee are pleased to hear about the work the Ministry has done with the DWP to make Universal Credit more accessible to those leaving prisons. We also welcome the increase in the Subsistence Grant for those who are leaving …
Gov response: The purpose of both the Discharge Grant and the Subsistence Grant is to assist prison leavers on release, so that they are supported while accessing other legal sources of income, such as applying for benefits. …
Under Consideration
#17 —
Recommendation: The Department told us that it works with different parts of the public sector and Government, such as the Ministry of Justice, to deliver its immigration enforcement services, and that this cooperation may not appear in its performance data.46 We …
Gov response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 4.2 The department has significant plans in place to deliver a more joined-up and end-to-end immigration system. The Borders, Immigration and Citizenship …
Not Addressed
#8 —
Recommendation: We recommend that Social Security Scotland consider all mechanisms for acquiring their own data where possible if they are requesting data which DWP does not hold. DWP and Social Security Scotland should develop a shared protocol and agreement about data …
Gov response: DWP considers fully and responds to all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government. It has established a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board, which brings together DWP experts to fully consider any requests and …
Not Addressed
#7 —
Recommendation: We recommend that the DWP should prioritise delivering the six to 16-year-old data required by the Scottish Government, or work with the Scottish Government to find an alternative type of data, so that the Scottish Government are able to roll …
Gov response: DWP considers fully and responds to all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government. It has established a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board, which brings together DWP experts to fully consider any requests and …
Not Addressed
#23 —
Recommendation: The DWP and Welsh Government should work together to improve the signposting of benefits, grants, and allowances by producing a toolkit for Work Coaches. It should cover all devolved and local authority support. The DWP should report back to us …
Gov response: In Scotland, social security includes both reserved and devolved elements, so a toolkit was created to help work coaches navigate the situation for their claimants. Social security is reserved in Wales, so the need is …
Not Addressed
#34 — DWP seeks new Fraud Bill powers to access bank data on UC claimant savings.
Recommendation: DWP also highlighted the importance of access to data, particularly because one of the big areas of UC overpayments related to people who had savings that they did not tell DWP about. It said that some of the powers in …
Gov response: 6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 6.2 The department’s focus for Targeted Case Review (TCR) in 2023-24 was to continue to scale and stabilise a new operation that began testing in …
Not Addressed
#15 — HMRC, Companies House, and Insolvency Service commit to increasing collaboration to tackle phoenixism.
Recommendation: At Autumn Budget 2024, the government announced that it was increasing collaboration between HMRC, Companies House and the Insolvency Service to tackle phoenixism.40 The Insolvency Service told us that, since the publication of the National Audit Office’s report, it had …
Gov response: 6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2025 6.2 The government announced at Autumn Budget 2024 the commitment of HMRC, Companies House and Insolvency Service to increase their collaboration to …
Not Addressed
#14 — ECCTA significantly enhanced data and intelligence sharing between Companies House and HMRC.
Recommendation: Prior to the introduction of ECCTA in March 2024, Companies House had limited scope to share data or insight with other public bodies such as HMRC. The new measures under ECCTA include the ability to proactively share information with other …
Gov response: 3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: November 2025 3.2 HMRC will write to the Committee in 6 months' time to update them on plans and progress. HMRC, Companies House and …
Accepted
#3 — Develop a joint plan for HMRC, Companies House, Insolvency Service to tackle corporate fraud.
Recommendation: HMRC, Companies House and the Insolvency Service have failed to work collaboratively, missing opportunities to increase the tax take. Due to the fraudulent use of UK company registrations, contrived insolvencies and phoenixism to evade tax, HMRC, Companies House and the …
Gov response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. progress. HMRC, Companies House and the Insolvency Service have strong relations, further strengthened by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). The three departments have developed …
Accepted
#28 — Department recognises ongoing challenges in sharing cross-government data across key sectors.
Recommendation: The Department explained how single shared priorities also helped evaluate programmes objectively but acknowledged it would like to go further through joining up data and information, which the Opportunities mission could help give impetus to. It said it had made …
Gov response: 6. PAC conclusion: The Department is relying on the ‘Opportunities Mission’ to bring together its own, and wider government’s, work to support disadvantaged children but it remains unclear how this will work in practice. 6. …
Accepted
#6 — Set out how the Opportunities Mission will join data and embed cross-government working.
Recommendation: The Department is relying on the ‘Opportunities Mission’ to bring together its own, and wider government’s, work to support disadvantaged children but it remains unclear how this will work in practice. The Department must work with other areas of government …
Gov response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Mission. It has set out a clear priority milestone for this parliament to ensure every child has the Best Start in Life, with 75% of children reaching a …
Accepted
#10 — DSIT highlights need for cultural change and new initiatives to overcome data sharing barriers.
Recommendation: We challenged DSIT on what it was doing to address barriers to data sharing in government and it told us a change in culture is needed and government bodies need to think about the collective interest of the public when …
Gov response: 1.7 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: October 2025 1.8 DSIT will set out details of its programme of work to address barriers to data sharing in the upcoming Government Digital …
Accepted
#9 — Inadequate access to good-quality data impedes government's AI implementation efforts.
Recommendation: Access to good–quality data was identified as a barrier to implementing AI by 62% of the 87 government bodies responding to the NAO’s survey.16 We received written evidence expressing a range of views on this topic, illustrating the complexity of …
Gov response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: October 2025 1.8 DSIT will set out details of its programme of work to address barriers to data sharing in the upcoming Government Digital and …
Not Addressed
#13 — Department still lacks solutions for matching income and energy supplier data effectively.
Recommendation: The Department acknowledged that it does not have “a full answer at this stage” to the issues with matching income data with energy supplier data, despite it being almost three years since the spike in energy prices.31 Fair by Design …
Gov response: 2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: September 2025 2.2 The Warm Home Discount provides targeted support to over 3 million low-income and fuel poor households in Great Britain, and the …
Not Addressed
#12 — Significant technical challenges impede effective targeting of energy support, particularly income data.
Recommendation: The Department said that even if it had wanted to, it would not have been able to target support at the time of introducing the schemes due to challenges with identifying household income to determine an appropriate level of support.26 …
Gov response: 2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: September 2025 2.2 The Warm Home Discount provides targeted support to over 3 million low-income and fuel poor households in Great Britain, and the …
Not Addressed
#2 — Set out plan by September 2025 for targeting future consumer support, addressing data matching challenges.
Recommendation: The Department would not yet be in a position to provide more targeted support to consumers and so reduce wasteful expenditure. Most of the £44 billion of support was provided through the schemes that were universal in nature, which means …
Gov response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. fuel poor households in Great Britain, and the government has consulted on expanding the scheme to support more households. The government works with energy suppliers to identify eligible …
Accepted
#17 — Ensure early notification and coordinated planning of utility connections for new housing developments.
Recommendation: Coordination of street works for new housing developments is not happening as often as it should. The Department for Transport should work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on how best to ensure that authorities are notified …
Gov response: We recognise that better coordination of street works for new housing developments is essential to minimise disruption to the transport network and improve efficiency in infrastructure delivery. Local authorities have powers under the New Roads …
Accepted
#15 — Mandate utility companies to share upcoming work plans earlier, improving coordination with authorities.
Recommendation: Collaboration and coordination of works between utility companies and local authorities relies on sharing information on upcoming works well in advance. There are currently no requirements on utility companies to share plans for their upcoming work with local authorities. The …
Gov response: The Government welcomes this recommendation and fully agrees that strong collaboration between utility companies and highway authorities is essential to minimising disruption and delivering efficient street works. Early sharing of information plays a key role …
Not Accepted
#19 — Liaise with DHSC to assess domestic workforce plans addressing social care skills shortages.
Recommendation: We highlighted that expanding the Skilled Worker visa route had helped the social care sector to reduce vacancy rates to around 131,000. We were concerned that the Home Office had now turned the tap off and asked what analysis it …
Gov response: 3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: October 2025 3.2 The government will write separately to the Committee on this point as requested. 3.3 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. …
Not Addressed
#10 — Develop formal cross-government processes to understand Skilled Worker route impacts and regional skill shortages.
Recommendation: Despite this, we were concerned that collaboration was not effective and that there had been insufficient consideration of the impacts of rule changes. In particular, we were not convinced that there had been sufficient collaboration between the Home Office and …
Gov response: 1.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2025 1.2 As recognised by the National Audit Office, changes to immigration rules are subject to collective government agreement. In considering potential changes …
Accepted
#29 — Report progress addressing data sharing barriers for local authorities accessing benefit data by 2025.
Recommendation: DWP should report back by the end of 2025 on progress in addressing the barriers to data sharing identified by the Minister, particularly in relation to enabling DWP to give local authorities more visibility of Pension Credit and Universal Credit …
Gov response: The Department already shares extensive data with local authorities. There are currently 28 bulk data shares with local authorities, some of which also include HMRC data, where information is shared between DWP and local authorities …
Not Addressed
#28 — Government recognises need for improved data sharing to increase means-tested benefits take-up.
Recommendation: We welcome the Government’s recognition of the importance of better data sharing arrangements to increase take-up of means-tested benefits, and the work it is doing to address the issues. (Conclusion, Paragraph 141)
Gov response: The Department already shares extensive data with local authorities. There are currently 28 bulk data shares with local authorities, some of which also include HMRC data, where information is shared between DWP and local authorities …
Accepted
#18 — Report on legislative changes to enable data sharing for social tariffs and targeting households.
Recommendation: The Government should report back to the Committee by the end of 2025 on: the changes to primary legislation for data sharing needed to enable the introduction of a social tariff; and any short-term changes to secondary legislation that could …
Gov response: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will write to the Committee by the end of 2025 with an assessment of changes to legislation needed to enable data sharing and improving access to data …
Accepted
#2 — Establish an Energy Data Sharing Taskforce to improve support schemes and tackle fuel poverty.
Recommendation: The Government should immediately establish an Energy Data Sharing Taskforce involving energy suppliers, government departments, HMRC, local authorities, the National Health Service and relevant third parties. This should establish clear and effective mechanisms for data sharing with the specific ambition …
Gov response: Improving data accuracy and data sharing is being treated as a priority by this Government, owing to its potential to revolutionise the way in which support is delivered. The primary barrier to improving the targeting …
Not Addressed
#1 — Accelerate effective data sharing between stakeholders to improve support schemes and tackle fuel poverty.
Recommendation: More effective data sharing between key stakeholders will be essential in making all government support schemes fairer, better targeted and cost effective. We welcome the Government’s plans to improve data sharing across Whitehall but believe it must move further and …
Gov response: Improving data accuracy and data sharing is being treated as a priority by this Government, owing to its potential to revolutionise the way in which support is delivered. The primary barrier to improving the targeting …
Not Addressed
#3 — Mandate regular meetings between Transport Secretary and counterparts; expedite procurement response to support British manufacturers.
Recommendation: The Secretary of State for Transport should meet regularly with her counterparts in the Departments for Business and Trade, Education and Skills, Work and Pensions, Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Cabinet Office with a focus on how the …
Gov response: We agree with the Committee on the importance of providing opportunities for people with caring responsibilities, as well as those seeking to re-enter the workforce. We recognise the need to go further to ensure that …
Accepted
#2 — Mobilise cross-government support and cultivate talent to capitalise on transport manufacturing decarbonisation opportunities.
Recommendation: The Government’s legislation on the provision of bus and rail services, and policies promoting transition to EVs and fuel innovation in aerospace, provide once-in-a-generation opportunities for production and employment. Delivering on these opportunities will require the Department of Transport to …
Gov response: The Government stopped funding L7 apprenticeships for those aged 22 or older on 1 January, and has no plans to re-introduce levy funding for Level 7 apprenticeships in the Industrial Strategy sectors. However, supporting skills …
Under Consideration
#9 — BBC's digital account data cannot directly support licence fee enforcement activities.
Recommendation: We queried why digital audience engagement through the accounts necessary to use iPlayer cannot support more digital licence fee enforcement activities. The BBC told us that its household-address based licensing system does not match individual based BBC account data, so …
Gov response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. requested by the Committee, noting that the negotiations for a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU, and timescales involved, will need to be integrated into development …
Accepted
#19 — TrustMark lacks direct collaboration with Companies House to prevent directors avoiding remediation responsibilities.
Recommendation: The National Audit Office also reported that some company directors are closing and restarting their businesses to avoid remediation responsibilities.40 TrustMark told us it has developed a watchlist and can stop a new business operating until it has fixed the …
Gov response: 1. PAC conclusion: A clear and catastrophic failure with external and internal wall insulation installations under ECO4 and GBIS has left more than 30,000 homes with defects. 1. PAC recommendation: The Department should not allow …
Not Accepted
#20 — New Act grants DWP expanded powers to compel third-party data for fraud investigations.
Recommendation: The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act, which received Royal Assent in December 2025, extends the Department’s powers to tackle fraud and error and recover any associated losses.36 The Department’s new powers include the ability to compel banks and …
Gov response: 5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 5.2 The department already reports in its Annual Reports and Accounts, information on payment accuracy, investigations and debt recovery, which are the three areas relevant …
Accepted
#18 — DWP identifies potential in cross-government data to combat benefit fraud and error.
Recommendation: The Department told us that there were data sources from across government and beyond that its systems could potentially use to help drive down fraud and error, and that it was very keen to exploit such opportunities.31 We note that …
Gov response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 4.2 The department works closely with other departments on data sharing and assessing the value of different datasets. This is longstanding activity embedded in business‑as‑usual …
Accepted
#4 — Set out plans for cross-departmental data sharing to verify Universal Credit household composition
Recommendation: The Department is not doing enough to share data with other government departments and thereby improve the accuracy of benefit payments. Administering the benefits system is complex: for example, targeting benefits such as Universal Credit to claimants’ needs and circumstances …
Gov response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented The department works closely with other departments on data sharing and assessing the value of different datasets. This is longstanding activity embedded in business‑as‑usual delivery, as …
Accepted
#11 —
Recommendation: We recommend that the Home Office works with digital identity providers to ensure that there is an effective mechanism for them to share the intelligence they currently gather through digital right to work checks, so that this can support enforcement …
Response Pending
#63 —
Recommendation: To successfully support people experiencing poverty many of these agencies require good collaborations and communications with the DWP and Social Security Scotland. Professor McKeever, Ulster University, emphasised the need for a ’better systemic approach’142 at the organisational level ‘of what …
Gov response: DWP and the Social Security Scotland have recently established a regular Operational Reference Group to look at ways of continuously improving the benefits experience of DWP and Social Security Scotland’s shared customers. The Group will …
Not Addressed
#60 —
Recommendation: Citizen’s Advice Scotland stated that to achieve a ‘no wrong door policy’ it would require: efforts to ensure that people receive information about other benefits they might be entitled to that are delivered by a different agency–for instance if someone …
Gov response: DWP and the Social Security Scotland have recently established a regular Operational Reference Group to look at ways of continuously improving the benefits experience of DWP and Social Security Scotland’s shared customers. The Group will …
Not Addressed
#55 —
Recommendation: We recommend that Social Security Scotland consider all mechanisms for acquiring their own data where possible if they are requesting data which DWP does not hold. DWP and Social Security Scotland should develop a shared protocol and agreement about data …
Gov response: DWP considers fully and responds to all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government. It has established a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board, which brings together DWP experts to fully consider any requests and …
Not Addressed
#39 —
Recommendation: The most pressing data sharing issue between the two governments relates to the planned rollout of the Scottish Child Payment to children aged six to 16, a policy priority for the Scottish Government. Currently the Scottish Government offers £10 a …
Gov response: DWP considers fully and responds to all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government. It has established a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board, which brings together DWP experts to fully consider any requests and …
Not Addressed
#38 —
Recommendation: The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted her disapproval of the current processes used for data sharing between the governments. She described the current system of looking at data sharing opportunities on a benefit-by-benefit basis as a ‘work-in-progress’98 which may need to …
Gov response: DWP considers fully and responds to all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government. It has established a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board, which brings together DWP experts to fully consider any requests and …
Not Addressed
#37 —
Recommendation: Oral evidence we received from the Scottish Government highlighted an unequal relationship between it and the DWP in relation to sharing existing data. The Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People highlighted that it must make individual …
Gov response: DWP considers fully and responds to all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government. It has established a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board, which brings together DWP experts to fully consider any requests and …
Not Addressed
#36 —
Recommendation: The Scottish Government outlined how the access to DWP-held data about claimants, caseloads, and trends is necessary to develop devolved administrative systems. In their evidence they stated that data sharing to help manage the transfer of claimants from the DWP …
Gov response: The UK Government recognises the Committee’s observation of the mutual respect between the UK and Scottish Governments and that both are working towards the safe and secure devolution of aspects of social security to the …
Not Addressed
#35 —
Recommendation: We heard that improvement in data sharing between the Scottish Government and DWP was needed. Policy in Practice, a policy analysis company, highlighted in their evidence to us that Universal Credit data (caseload management data, including client details) is not …
Gov response: The UK Government recognises the Committee’s observation of the mutual respect between the UK and Scottish Governments and that both are working towards the safe and secure devolution of aspects of social security to the …
Not Addressed
#34 —
Recommendation: Professor McKeever, Ulster University, stated that the sharing of data between the DWP and the Scottish Government and Scottish Social Security Agency is ‘very critical to rolling out the success of the benefit system.’86 This point is supported throughout the …
Gov response: The UK Government recognises the Committee’s observation of the mutual respect between the UK and Scottish Governments and that both are working towards the safe and secure devolution of aspects of social security to the …
Not Addressed
#3 —
Recommendation: We note that while intergovernmental relations on the devolution of welfare appear to be working well, the evidence received by the Committee highlights that there are operational issues around data sharing that need to be resolved to the satisfaction of …
Gov response: DWP considers fully and responds to all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government. It has established a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board, which brings together DWP experts to fully consider any requests and …
Not Addressed
#22 —
Recommendation: Cabinet Office and DWP told us that timely data sharing can be used to prevent fraud by data matching, improve detection of fraud by sharing intelligence, and enable recovery in cross-government schemes.55 The Digital Economy Act 2017 permits data-matching for …
Gov response: 6a: PAC recommendation: Cabinet Office should write to the Committee within six months detailing how it has worked with departments to identify and address gaps in real time data sharing. 6.1 The government agrees with …
Not Addressed
#6 —
Recommendation: Gaps in transparency and information sharing between departments is hindering efforts to prevent, detect and correct fraud and error. Timely data sharing can be used to prevent fraud by data matching, improve detection of fraud by sharing intelligence, and enable …
Gov response: 6: PAC conclusion: Gaps in transparency and information sharing between departments is hindering efforts to prevent, detect and correct fraud and error. 6a: PAC recommendation: Cabinet Office should write to the Committee within six months …
Not Addressed
#22 —
Recommendation: We asked the Department whether it could be more proactive in sharing basic information such as its district provision tool—essentially a list of local provision—with partners, so they could see what people were being referred to, and to see if …
Gov response: 6b: PAC Recommendation: The Department should seek regular structured feedback from local authorities and employers on its employment support and: • Publish its district provision tool so others can see and comment on and complement …
Not Addressed
#22 —
Recommendation: We welcome efforts to improve awareness among claimants of all UK Government, Welsh Government, and local authority support, but written evidence suggests that there is still a long way to go. People requesting help need to feel confident that they …
Gov response: In Scotland, social security includes both reserved and devolved elements, so a toolkit was created to help work coaches navigate the situation for their claimants. Social security is reserved in Wales, so the need is …
Not Addressed
#3 —
Recommendation: We were concerned to hear that welfare rights advisors believe that Universal Credit’s explicit consent model has impeded their ability to help claimants and has led to some people sharing personal data such as passwords. We would welcome the UK …
Gov response: The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to continually improving access to Universal Credit for those most vulnerable in society. As there is a large amount of personal information held within an individual’s Universal …
Not Addressed
HMICFRS recommendations(1)
ICIBI immigration recommendations(8)
A further inspection of the EU Settlement Scheme July 2020 – March …
Recommendation 9 (expanded to reflect latest findings) Clarify what “reasonable enquiries” the Home Office will make (for example of other government departments and other agencies) on behalf of individuals who …
An inspection of the Border Force intelligence functions at the Humber ports …
Review the collection function to improve tasking volumes and relationships with other intelligence functions within Border Force intelligence and frontline functions, including:an assessment of the effectiveness of its geographical structure …
An inspection of the immigration system as it relates to the social …
Work with enforcement and regulatory partners to develop and agree a multi partner memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU should define:
An inspection of the Home Office’s use of age assessments (July 2024 …
In relation to the end-to-end age dispute process: In order to enable them to plan and use their resources effectively, provide local authorities with data on the number of individuals …
An inspection of the Border Force intelligence functions at the Humber ports …
Work with the Multi-Agency Hub Strategic Governance Board to review the identity and branding of the Forward Intelligence Cell (FIC) in Hull and undertake engagement to improve the understanding of …
A re-inspection of Border Force’s management of Project KRAKEN at small seaports …
The Home Office should develop an engagement strategy that encompasses Border Force, stakeholder, and law enforcement agency activities to raise awareness of Project Kraken and identify opportunities for smarter working …
An inspection of Border Force’s fast parcels operations (May–July 2023)
Work with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to obtain management information from Centaur for goods seized from fast parcels.
An inspection of Border Force’s fast parcels operations (May–July 2023)
Work with industry and other government departments to improve the provision of fast parcel data from all operators to enable intelligence-based targeting.
PPO death in custody recommendations(7)
The Governor and Deputy Director of Immigration Prison Teams (North …
The Governor and Deputy Director of Immigration Prison Teams (North and South) should review current processes for the sharing of information between prison and Home Office staff at Maidstone and share their findings with the Ombudsman.
The Head of Probation Delivery Unit for Dyfed-Powys
The Head of Probation Delivery Unit for Dyfed-Powys should ensure that when a risk is identified, appropriate referrals are promptly completed to the relevant community services.
The Regional Probation Director
The Regional Probation Director should ensure that accurate and up to date information about a resident’s risk is shared with AP staff prior to their arrival, in line with national instructions.
The Governor
The Governor should ensure that prison staff inform healthcare staff when a prisoner asks to see them.
The Head of Healthcare at Isle of Wight
The Head of Healthcare at Isle of Wight should ensure that healthcare staff arrange a proper handover to the receiving prison where a prisoner has more complex health care needs.
The Governor of HMP Downview and Regional Probation Director
We bring this to the attention of the Governor of Downview and Regional Probation Director to consider whether any improvements could be made to how staff communicate and share information.
The Governor and Head of Healthcare
The Governor and Head of Healthcare should review their information sharing protocol for prisoners with serious medical conditions such as epilepsy.
IOPC learning recommendations(8)
Recommendations - West Midlands Police, June 2021
The IOPC recommends that West Midlands Police consider the benefits of implementing a protocol with relevant third parties, such as Housing providers, when dealing with any request for a welfare check. This recommendation is made as the result of a …
Recommendations - Metropolitan Police Service, January 2026
The IOPC recommends that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) creates Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with neighbouring forces to support effective management of cross border incidents and misrouted calls. This recommendation has arisen as a result of a review of the …
Recommendations - Cleveland Police, May 2022
The IOPC recommends that Cleveland Police should improve its processes and record keeping to show the flow of information between partner agencies and demonstrate actions taken and accountability. This follows an IOPC investigation whereby historically information was shared from one …
Recommendation - Hampshire Constabulary, September 2024
The IOPC recommends that Hampshire Constabulary creates and implements a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding sharing patient information with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. This follows an investigation in which a man was found by police in a hospital …
Operation Linden recommendations - South Yorkshire Police and College of Policing, November …
The IOPC recommends that South Yorkshire Police continues to improve processes that enable SYP and partner agencies to better collaborate so that information that should be available and considered by everyone is effectively shared, understood and acted upon in a …
Investigation into the West Yorkshire Police response to reports of injuries to …
The IOPC recommend that West Yorkshire Police (WYP) ensure that they review their mechanisms already in place, by the use of dip sampling or regular audits between WYP, Children’s Social Care (CSC) and their partner agencies to ensure that WYP …
Investigation into a complaint about contact with a woman prior to her …
The IOPC recommends that the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Cumbria Constabulary, Cheshire Constabulary, Merseyside Police, and Lancashire Constabulary finalise, agree, and implement the Joint Operating Protocol (JOP) as soon as practicable. Each agency should take …
Recommendation - Metropolitan Police Service and Ministry of Justice, March 2025
The IOPC recommends that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and Ministry of Justice (MOJ) work together to review the process for responding to alleged breach of bail conditions to ensure that, where an electronic monitoring breach is identified, adequate checks …
NAO audit recommendations(26)
Delivery of employment support schemes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
b) work with the Cabinet Office and government?s counter-fraud functions to improve protocols and thus increase the consistency of data collected on grant claimants, and the pace at which data can be shared between HMRC and other public bodies, in …
Rejected
Using data analytics to tackle fraud and error
Recommendation 7: a) The Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) and the Government Digital Service (GDS)should build on the Digital Economy Act 2017 data-sharing process to introduce a managed process to support public bodies to share data. This managed process should …
Using data analytics to tackle fraud and error
Recommendation 6: The Public Sector Fraud Authority and the Government Digital Service (GDS) should maintain an overview of the key datasets required to support most fraud and error data analytics, and work with the bodies that maintain those datasets to …
Immigration: Skilled Worker visas
Before the end of 2025, work with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to establish new working arrangements to develop a more effective joined-up approach to tackling exploitation of visa holders. Specifically, these should: establish ways of working with the Fair …
Accepted
Immigration: Skilled Worker visas
Before the end of 2025, work with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to establish new working arrangements to develop a more effective joined-up approach to tackling exploitation of visa holders. Specifically, these should: review data-sharing arrangements with local authorities and …
Accepted
Immigration: Skilled Worker visas
Before the end of 2025, work with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to establish new working arrangements to develop a more effective joined-up approach to tackling exploitation of visa holders. Specifically, these should: identify ways to improve communication with overseas …
Accepted
Immigration: Skilled Worker visas
Improve its understanding of the extent to which the Skilled Worker visa route is meeting its objectives by: identify the data it needs ? including from other departments ? to allow it to better understand how the route is being …
Accepted
Investigation into student finance for study at franchised higher education providers
more systematically share data and testing results, such as from statistical testing to identify anomalies or targeted sampling of provider data audits, to better understand risks and focus investigative work
Accepted
Improving resettlement support for prison leavers to reduce reoffending
By April 2024, HMPPS and DWP should complete analysis to understand overlaps and gaps in services using high-quality data on what support its local staff are providing to prison leavers. They should use this information to provide assurance that government?s …
Accepted
Support for vulnerable adolescents
We recommend that those central government departments involved should, through formal governance, work together to: a) build on recent data-sharing exercises to understand better the relationship between risk factors and adverse outcomes for vulnerable adolescents;
Accepted
Delivery of employment support schemes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
In determining how the government should respond in a future crisis: i) HMRC should identify the data it would need to increase accessibility of future schemes and reduce deadweight costs and error and fraud. It should consider plans to improve …
Accepted
Delivery of employment support schemes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
While payments under the schemes have ended, the need to bear down on error and fraud has not. HMRC should: a) as part of strengthening its methodology for remaining compliance work, analyse its performance in tackling the main risks of …
Accepted
Lessons learned: tackling fraud and protecting propriety in government spending during an …
p) We recommend the Central Digital and Data Office work with departments and the Public Sector Fraud Authority to extend the remit of the essential shared data assets plan to: Consider what data-sharing arrangements could be set up now. In …
Accepted
Lessons learned: tackling fraud and protecting propriety in government spending during an …
o) We recommend the Central Digital and Data Office work with departments and the Public Sector Fraud Authority to extend the remit of the essential shared data assets plan to: Review the extent to which these datasets are accessible and …
Accepted
Lessons learned: tackling fraud and protecting propriety in government spending during an …
n) We recommend the Central Digital and Data Office work with departments and the Public Sector Fraud Authority to extend the remit of the essential shared data assets plan to: Work out now what current datasets might be needed in …
Accepted
Introducing Integrated Care Systems: joining up local services to improve health outcomes
a) DHSC and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities should, by April 2023, establish transparent arrangements across government and with wider stakeholders to tackle the drivers of poor health outcomes, including education, employment, benefits, and transport;
Accepted
The asylum and protection transformation programme
The Home Office should build on its work to understand the wider impacts of changes to the asylum system by using this dynamically to inform decision-making within the Programme and more widely. It should: routinely collect the necessary data to …
Accepted
The Restart scheme for long‑term unemployed people
c) gather and use provider information to evaluate Restart and inform future provision. This should include information from the providers on participants? barriers to work and how these have changed while on the programme, so that DWP can identify specific …
Accepted
The Restart scheme for long‑term unemployed people
b) improve participants? customer journey between the job centre and provider for future contracted-out employment support programmes. This will require a better flow of information between jobcentres and providers so that they can coordinate their efforts to support the participant …
Accepted
Test and trace in England – progress update
d) The Department, through NHST&T, should fill gaps in its data and make full use of this information to identify which groups are not engaging with the system at each stage and why. It should, by October 2021, publish its …
Partially accepted
Protecting consumers from unsafe products
d) Work with local Trading Standards services to improve coordination between local and national regulation. It should engage with local services to understand what is and is not working in practice and consider how to get better data on local …
Accepted
Protecting consumers from unsafe products
b) Speed up efforts to ensure it has the data and intelligence it needs to identify and prioritise areas of most risk to consumers. It has made progress in understanding barriers to getting good data, but now needs to establish …
Accepted
The adult social care market in England
e) address significant gaps in the performance and cost data it collects on care, particularly on self-funders and unmet need. In doing so, it should be mindful of, and assess, the potential burden on local authorities and care providers;
Accepted
Department for Work and Pensions annual report and accounts 2018-19
The Department should: • make better use of its data on income from other benefits to identify misreporting of benefit income and eradicate this cause of overpayments and underpayments;
Accepted
Investigation into government’s actions to combat waste crime in England
Make use of data from police databases and systems to enhance intelligence gathering and improve collaboration with partners.
Accepted
Gambling regulation: problem gambling and protecting vulnerable people
c) enhance its analytical capability to better identify consumer harm and make greater use of the intelligence it has available. For example, it could develop a more systematic and detailed approach to recording and analysing information from consumers who make …
Accepted
IMB annual reports(2)
Elmley (2022)
HMP Elmley, a local prison, navigated Covid disruptions to improve prisoner experience and reduce violence through increased key work and a young adult strategy. While the Board noted improvements in safety scrutiny, complaint resolution, and resettlement opportunities, significant concerns remain regarding the treatment and information provision for foreign national prisoners by the Home Office. Other challenges include the poor condition of the prison estate, persistent staffing shortages across key departments, and inadequate activity spaces impacting rehabilitation efforts.
PRISON
Key concerns
Huntercombe (2022)
HMP Huntercombe returned to a full regime in 2022, and the Board commended staff for their work. However, significant concerns remain, particularly regarding the ongoing detention of foreign nationals beyond their sentence expiry due to Home Office delays in processing deportation orders. The prison also faces challenges with an antiquated heating system, water ingress in healthcare, reduced education provision due to staffing, and issues with inter-prison property transfers.
PRISON
Key concerns
IMB individual recommendations(14)
Feltham (2025)
Improve information sharing between social services and the YCS, so looked-after children (LACs) receive entitlements.
HMPPS
Huntercombe (2020)
With Home Office colleagues, to resolve the issue around prisoners held under immigration powers post-sentence – see paragraphs 7.3.2. and 7.3.3.
Ministry of Justice
Heathrow Short Term Holding Facility (2020)
[London Heathrow Airport] For detainees brought from IRCs to the airport for interview, Border Force should ensure that their officers inform C&C when their enquiries have concluded so that the movement order for transport is activated (para. 4.5).
Other
Feltham (2023)
What will the Government do to achieve better information sharing between Social Services and Youth Custody Services so that Looked After Children (LAC) can easily receive their statutory entitlements? Will you follow up on measures promised last year about how this can be addressed?
Other
Morton Hall IRC (2020)
Greater efforts should be made by the Home Office to reduce the number of people coming into detention from prison. Better use should be made of the time in prison to resolve their immigration cases, thus minimising the need for immigration detention in the first place.
Other
Cardiff (2020)
The Board would again ask that the minister raise this issue with the Home Office and provide it with a copy of the response.
Home Office
In Progress
Downview (2021)
Collate data centrally regarding the numbers of dependent children of prisoners to enable effective family engagement.
HMPPS
In Progress
Morton Hall (2022)
that many prisoners who are held under Immigration Act powers post-sentence (rule IS91) do not receive timely notification from the HO (see paragraphs 3.2.5, 7.3.4 ).
Ministry of Justice
Leicester (2023)
When will a finance, benefit and debt service be available in HMP Leicester?
HMPPS
Kent Coast Short Term Holding Facilities (STHF) (2023)
Recommend that work towards regaining/having access to the European security system, which was available before BREXIT) to help Border Force teams when assessing suitability (in terms of criminal events) of detained persons.
Home Office
Gatwick IRC (2021)
There should be some supplementary basic information provided by the Home Office on the steps in the asylum claim process that arrivals will go through while held in the RSTHF. The Home Office should follow the suggestion in paragraph 8 of Detention Services Order 06/2013 to repeat the important basic information through use of a format such as posters and …
Home Office
Gatwick pre-departure accommodation (2020)
We again ask the minister to consider the establishment of a system for monitoring the arrest and transfer into detention of families which is demonstrably independent of the Home Office.
Ministry of Justice
Wandsworth (2021)
Home Office immigration enforcement officers left the prison in March 2020 and did not return for the duration of the reporting period. Their absence meant that in most cases foreign nationals relied on prison officers and the charity, Befriending Support Team (BEST), to answer questions, resolve issues and errors, and serve notices of case progress and/or removal. This was a …
Home Office
In Progress
Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre (2022)
The Home Office needs to prioritise communication between the various teams working within immigration enforcement, as well as probation staff, to ensure, among other things, that delays in decisions regarding 'approved' accommodation and delays in the removal of TSFNOs willing and able to return to their countries of origin are reduced to a minimum.
Home Office
Detention investigations(2)
Independent Investigation into Concerns about Brook House Immigration Removal Centre — Rec R33
G4S and the SMT should consider with the Home Office the possibility of providing the welfare team with training in immigration processes. (To be completed within 6 months)
Immigration Detention
Investigation into the Disturbance and Fire at Yarl's Wood Removal … — Rec 63
IND seeks speedily to reach agreement with the Prison Service about sharing of information with both DEPMU and security managers in removal centres.
Immigration Detention
PHSO casework decisions(9)
P-001538 — Independent Case Examiner
Ms R complains the DWP did not act on the details she provided of a new letting agency who would be managing her tenant’s housing costs which led to her missing out on several months’ rent from her tenant. Ms R also complains that the ICE investigation did not ask …
UK Government
Sep 2022
P-004508 — Child Maintenance Service (CMS)
Mr C complains that the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) did not promptly review his maintenance liability after he told it he was making payments towards another child in January 2017 or when he made further representations from November 2020 onwards. Mr C also complains CMS did not offer to translate …
UK Government
Upheld
Dec 2025
P-001909 — HM Revenue and Customs
Mr A complains HMRC failed to investigate his report of child benefit fraud.
UK Government
Mar 2023
P-003887 — Department for Work and Pensions
Mr A and Dr A complain that DWP has not done enough to support them with applying for Carer’s Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI).
UK Government
Jul 2023
P-004493 — Child Maintenance Service (CMS)
Mr H complains about the Child Maintenance Service's management of payment arrangements for his child maintenance case
UK Government
Dec 2025
P-001062 — Department for Work and Pensions
Mr N complains that DWP did not properly act on his request that it pay him directly as the landlord of Property A. This is a property he let to Universal Credit recipients. He also complains that he asked DWP to pay him directly as the landlord of Property C, …
UK Government
Upheld
Apr 2021
P-001919 — HM Revenue and Customs
Mr A complains HMRC is asking him to repay a tax credit overpayment which he believes comes from a fraudulent claim from his ex-partner.
UK Government
Mar 2023
P-002559 — Child Maintenance Service (CMS)
Mr O complains that despite asking CMS more than once, it failed to consider another child when it calculated his child maintenance payments from 2012 to 2017. He also says CMS used incorrect information from HM Revenue and Customs and it broke data security rules.
UK Government
Apr 2024
P-002271 — HM Revenue and Customs
Mrs A complains HMRC transferred her tax credit debt to DWP for collection even though it had cancelled her direct debit repayment plan in 2015. She says it also did not take account of a payment her sister made to clear the debt.
UK Government
Oct 2023
LGO / SPSO decisions(119)
23-019-295 — Derbyshire County Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s communication with Mrs X about her eligibility for benefits. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault.
LGO (Local Government & …
Adult Care Services
Apr 2024
24-005-754 — Surrey Heath Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council failing to tell him that deductions being made from his disability benefits had been stopped. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault. In addition, the claimed fault has not caused any significant injustice and an investigation would …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Sep 2024
25-005-166a — Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (25 …
Summary: Mr A complained that a care coordinator, working for an integrated mental health and social care service, failed to support his son to apply for Universal Credit. We have not found fault by either the responsible Council or NHS Trust. However, we have found fault in how both organisations …
LGO (Local Government & …
Health
Upheld
Dec 2025
25-005-166 — Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: Mr A complained that a care coordinator, working for an integrated mental health and social care service, failed to support his son to apply for Universal Credit. We have not found fault by either the responsible Council or NHS Trust. However, we have found fault in how both organisations …
LGO (Local Government & …
Adult Care Services
Upheld
Dec 2025
22-003-271 — London Borough of Lambeth
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s refusal to pay housing benefit because there was a right of appeal to a tribunal.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Jun 2022
22-002-939 — Leeds City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council not providing Ms G with a single person council tax reduction. The Council told us it has taken action to resolve the matter but if not it would be reasonable for Ms G to lodge an appeal at the Valuation …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Jun 2022
24-003-376 — Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the cost of his care and the Council’s failure to share information with the Department of Work and Pensions. There is insufficient evidence of fault to justify our involvement and the Council has exercised discretion to waive the care costs.
LGO (Local Government & …
Adult Care Services
Jul 2024
24-008-419 — Durham County Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to award another Discretionary Housing Payment. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Sep 2024
24-012-739 — London Borough of Harrow
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision regarding Mr X’s entitlement to Council Tax Support. Mr X used his statutory right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. We cannot also consider the matter.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
May 2025
25-001-053 — Northumberland County Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about enforcement of a Council tax debt because there is no evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
May 2025
24-013-910 — Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: Mrs B complained the Council told her she was entitled to council tax support (CTS), but later told her she was not, resulting in a large overpayment. There was fault by the Council. It delayed reviewing Mrs B’s CTS entitlement after it had received a notification her circumstances had …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Jun 2025
24-010-265 — London Borough of Redbridge
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s delay in reviewing the complainant’s entitlement to housing benefit, as well as her dissatisfaction with its entitlement decision about this and council tax reduction. This is because the complainant could reasonably ask for a review and appeal in respect of …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Nov 2024
25-023-066 — London Borough of Lambeth
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
25-021-140 — Cheshire East Council
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
25-021-031 — London Borough of Barnet
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
25-013-054 — Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
PSOW-202300604 — Newport City Council
Ms A complained that she was unhappy with Newport City Council’s decision not to backdate funding she believed she was entitled to as a Guardian. Ms A said that over a period of 7 years, the Council had not kept in touch with her/the child in her care, from a …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Local Government
Sep 2023
21-017-894 — London Borough of Barnet
We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council handled a housing benefit appeal. The Council has already investigated and provided a remedy where it identified fault and we would not achieve a different outcome.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Mar 2022
22-005-316 — Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decisions regarding housing benefit for tenants as they can be appealed to a tribunal.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Jul 2022
22-005-690 — London Borough of Croydon
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint the Council delayed dealing with his notification of a rent increase and failed to refer the increase to the rent officer. We are satisfied the Council has taken appropriate action to remedy any injustice mainly by ensuring the full rent increase is …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Aug 2022
23-020-625 — Pendle Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the council tax arrears the Council is holding Mrs X responsible for. This is because she has right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Apr 2024
23-013-040 — Havant Borough Council
Summary: Miss B complained that the Council delayed in dealing with her review request against large overpayments of housing benefit and council tax support and continued to try to recover the debt during the period of delay. This cause Miss B significant distress and caused her partner to borrow money …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Apr 2024
23-020-913 — Halton Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council holding her liable for council tax on a property she no longer lives in. This is because she has right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. In addition, we will not investigate Miss X’s complaint regarding the Council’s alleged …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Apr 2024
23-019-910 — Manchester City Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s response to his information requests. This is because it is reasonable for Mr X to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Apr 2024
24-003-504 — Eastleigh Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Mrs X’s business not receiving business rates relief in 2022/23. This is mainly because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Jul 2024
24-008-859 — Melton Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s retrospective claim for housing benefit made without the complainant’s knowledge and delay in responding to the complaint. We do not consider Mr X has suffered a significant personal injustice because of the Council’s actions. And we consider an apology for …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Sep 2024
24-018-591 — Bristol City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about housing benefit and council tax reduction overpayments. This is because it is reasonable to expect Mrs X to appeal the Council’s decisions to the Tribunal.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Jun 2025
25-004-453 — City of Doncaster Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an unsuccessful application for a Discretionary Housing Payment. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Aug 2025
24-009-464 — Cornwall Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about whether the Council is acting in Mr C’s best interests in its role as appointee for benefits. An Ombudsman investigation would not achieve a worthwhile outcome, and not achieve the outcome the complainant wants; for a family member to be appointee. The …
LGO (Local Government & …
Adult Care Services
Nov 2024
24-009-850 — North Lincolnshire Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the recovery of a housing benefit overpayment. Mr X used his right to appeal to the tribunal. We cannot look at matters already considered by a tribunal. As we are not investigating the core of the complaint, we will not consider closely …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Dec 2024
25-011-077 — Durham County Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about information the Council has recorded or shared. The Information Commissioner’s Office is better placed to consider data concerns. There is not enough evidence of fault in the Council’s assessment of housing and care needs, it is entitled to rely on recorded data. …
LGO (Local Government & …
Adult Care Services
Dec 2025
25-008-144 — Guildford Borough Council
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
25-017-683 — Redcar & Cleveland Council
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
25-014-854 — London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
25-013-865 — Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
25-013-198 — Bristol City Council
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
21-009-630 — Waverley Borough Council
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a housing fraud investigation that was concluded in 2016. This is because we have no power to investigate a council when it is acting as a landlord and because the Housing Ombudsman has already considered the complaint. We also cannot investigate allegations of …
LGO (Local Government & …
Other Categories
Jan 2022
21-013-715 — Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Ms X’s housing benefit claim as she can appeal to a tribunal.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Jan 2022
21-018-274 — London Borough of Wandsworth
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to recover housing benefit it had overpaid. This is because it is not unreasonable to expect the complainant to have used his right of appeal.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Mar 2022
21-002-624 — Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council discriminated against the complainant and will only let him pay his council tax by direct debit. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Mar 2022
21-018-094 — London Borough of Havering
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax liability and council tax support. This is because it is reasonable to expect Mr Y to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal and it is not a good use of public resources to investigate this complaint about complaint handling.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Mar 2022
21-013-442 — London Borough of Hounslow
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax liability and council tax support. It would be reasonable for the complainant to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. We will also not investigate parts of the complaint about fraud and the Council causing him to lose his business. There is …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Mar 2022
21-018-820 — Milton Keynes Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s refusal to exempt the complainant from paying Council Tax. This is because it is not unreasonable to expect the complainant to have used his right of appeal against the Council’s decision.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Mar 2022
21-007-369 — City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Summary: Mr B complained on behalf of Mr C that the Council had refused to forward his housing benefit appeal to the Tribunal service. We found the Council at fault, but we do not consider this caused Mr C an injustice.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Apr 2022
21-018-584 — Swale Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint that the Council has failed to have proper regard to her financial difficulties, could relieve her debt by a further discretionary housing payment, and failed to properly handle a complaint and subject access request. The Council has not caused Ms X injustice …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Apr 2022
21-011-453 — Luton Borough Council
Summary: Mrs X complained about the way the Council has dealt with her claims for housing benefit and council tax reduction. Mrs X believes the Council wrongly ended her benefit claim, used wrong calculations and did not consider evidence properly. The significant delays in dealing with Mrs X’s requests for …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
May 2022
21-016-029 — Barrow-in-Furness Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council has charged council tax on a property that has been removed from council tax. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
May 2022
22-002-344 — London Borough of Barnet
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to recover overpaid housing benefit dating back to 2011. This is because the complainant has the right to defend himself in court if the Council takes recovery action and the Council has not had a reasonable opportunity to respond …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Jun 2022
21-013-960 — London Borough of Merton
Summary: Miss X complained the Council incorrectly calculated her entitlement to housing benefit and wrongly refused to award Discretionary Housing Payment which has resulted in significant rent arears. The delays and errors in the way the Council dealt with Miss X’s housing benefit and Discretionary Housing Payment claims amount to …
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Upheld
Jun 2022
22-004-443 — Liverpool City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s refusal of Miss X’s application for discretionary housing payment. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.
LGO (Local Government & …
Benefits And Tax
Jul 2022