Ellie Ames 08 July 2024

Council failed in duties over care home closure

Council failed in duties over care home closure image
Image: fizkes / Shutterstock.com

Wokingham Borough Council’s failures over a struggling care home caused distress and anxiety for a woman who had lived there for 16 years, an investigation has found.

The care provider announced it was closing the council-commissioned care home in 2021 after running into financial difficulty.

One resident, who is autistic and has a severe learning disability, had lived in the five-bed home since 2006.

According to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, ‘given the nature of her difficulties it was clear any move from her home would have a great impact on her wellbeing’.

An investigation by the ombudsman found there had been a ‘procedural fault’ in Wokingham BC’s actions.

It said the council should have considered doing more to prevent the closure and properly recorded its decision making.

The local authority could have given the care provider more funding or staff, although it would have had to consider its own resources, the ombudsman added.

The council was ordered to pay £1,500 to the resident and £500 to her father, who raised the complaint.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HGV & Municipal Vehicle Technician

Ribble Valley Borough Council
Scale 5 (scp 16-19) £30,518 to £32,061 per annum
The maintenance is undertaken in the Council’s vehicle workshop on the Salthill Industrial Estate, Clitheroe Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Environmental Health Officer

Ashfield District Council
£39,152 - £41,771 per annum
This post attracts an essential car user allowance subject to eligibility. Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Corporate Customer Services Officer

Ashfield District Council
£26,403 - £28,142 Per annum
Corporate Customer Services Officer - 3 posts available Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Landscape Architect

Ashfield District Council
£39,152 - £41,771 per annum
A great opportunity to be involved in shaping the future of the District of Ashfield Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner