Ombudsman

• A sign of cutting corners?

  With figures revealing the number of complaints about local councils are on the rise, what does this say about the performance of the sector? Neil Merrick investigates.

  

• Partial ban on flammable cladding ‘does not go far enough’, firefighters warn

  The Government has announced new measures to support homebuyers, get more homes built, improve building safety and create a 'Commonwealth Games legacy.'

  

• Councils often fail to explain planning decisions, LGO says

  Local authorities frequently fail to explain the reasons behind planning decisions, Ombudsman says as he publishes guidance for planners.

  

• Council apologises for ‘failing’ disabled boy’s family

  Doncaster council has admitted to ‘failing’ the family of a disabled boy after they waited three years for the special adaptations their home required.

  

• Council fined for ‘unfairly’ changing school admission arrangements

  Nottinghamshire County Council has been criticised for ‘unfairly’ changing its school admission arrangements and forcing parents to send siblings to separate schools.

  

• Councils urged to provide free education transport for young people with disabilities

  Councils across England should ensure their education transport policies properly support young adults with disabilities, ombudsman warns.

  

• Nearly 60% of investigations against councils upheld by Ombudsman

  Over half of the investigations into complaints against local authorities were upheld in 2017-18, according to new figures.

  

• Ombudsman upholds 70% of complaints about Special Guardianship Orders

  The local government ombudsman has revealed it has upheld 70% of complaints made about the way councils support special guardians.

  

• Councils warned not to cap personal care budgets

  Councils have been told they are not allowed to set maximum budget levels when calculating the cost of people’s care by the sector’s ombudsman.

  

• Councils cannot charge for first weeks of intermediate care, Ombudsman says

  Local authorities cannot charge people for the first six weeks of intermediate care, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has warned.