William Eichler 01 September 2022

Ombudsman cautions councils against multiple care home contracts

Ombudsman cautions councils against multiple care home contracts image
Image: pikselstock/Shutterstock.com.

Local authorities have been cautioned against allowing the care homes they work with to have subsidiary contracts with clients.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman issued the warning after an investigation revealed that Leeds City Council had allowed Indigo Care Services Ltd to have a second contract with a woman it had placed in the provider’s Paisley Lodge home.

The woman’s family complained to the Ombudsman about a number of issues, including their mother looking unkempt during one visit, items of clothing and other possessions going missing, and only being allowed ‘window visits’ at certain times during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also said that they found the payment and funding arrangements confusing.

Ombudsman’s investigation found that, contrary to statutory guidance, the care home had a second contract in place with the family between June and November 2020 to make up the difference between what it charged the council and its private rate.

Michael King, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said: ‘The woman’s family were given no choice but to sign the second contract with the home as a condition of acceptance of the care home placement, with the council’s full knowledge this was taking place. At the time, it was the council’s responsibility – not the family’s – to arrange their mother’s care, so they should not have been asked to do this.

‘This has caused unnecessary distress and confusion for the family at what was already a difficult time.

‘I am pleased the council and care provider have both agreed to my recommendations to improve their contracting arrangements so in future other families are not caused the same frustration.’

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: ‘We welcome and accept the Ombudsman’s findings and we are now looking at reviewing our processes to implement the Ombudsman’s recommendations. We are sorry for the confusion experienced by the family as a result of two contracts being in place at the same time.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner