William Eichler Thursday, March 19, 2020

Covid-19 forces Ombudsman to suspend services

The body tasked with investigating complaints against local authorities has temporarily suspended its services due to the impact of Coronavirus.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGO) said that staff will continue to work on cases from home during the pandemic, but stressed that ‘we are not able to take new complaints, either online or by telephone.’

‘If you have already registered a complaint with us, we may continue to work on it and email and telephone extensions of individual staff may be available,’ a statement said.

‘But please be aware our ability to progress cases may be limited.’ The LGO has also decided to cancel external training courses being delivered between now and the end of April.

‘We recognise the rapidly evolving situation is causing uncertainty and we appreciate your support and understanding at this challenging time as we endeavour to maintain services while protecting our staff and customers.’

For more on the impact of Coronavirus on councils visit The MJ.

Designing for cohesion image

Designing for cohesion

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, discusses how community spaces can strengthen local connections.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Highways, Waste and Environment

North Northamptonshire Council
£97,632 - £108,033 (subject to additional pay award)
North Northamptonshire is a place of scale, ambition and ongoing transformation. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Director of Public Health & Leisure

Brent Council
£135,000
Brent is brimming with ambition and opportunity. Brent, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Brent Council

Head of Property & Regeneration

Swansea Council
£88,633 - £100,994
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding and experienced professional Swansea (Abertawe)
Recuriter: Swansea Council

Strategic Director – Adults and Public Health

Ealing London Borough Council
£180k
We are looking for an ambitious, visible and collaborative leader who can help shape the future of adult social care Ealing, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Ealing London Borough Council

Service Directors - Inclusive Education, Family Help and Skills

Shropshire Council
£107k - £112k
Over recent months, we’ve moved from announcing a financial emergency into a period of recovery. Shropshire
Recuriter: Shropshire Council
Linkedin Banner