William Eichler 19 March 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.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner