William Eichler 16 February 2018

Ombudsman issues ‘rare’ second report criticising council

A council has received a second warning after failing to comply with recommendations made by the local government Ombudsman.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGO) has issued a rare further report into the Council of the Isles of Scilly after it failed to comply with recommendations made last August.

The LGO’s original report was not published because of fears the family might be identified. The population of the isles is just over 2,000.

‘While I appreciate the council is in a difficult position with regards to members discussing the original report in public, the council still needs to keep the communication channels open with my office and confirm its intended actions,’ said LGO Michael King.

‘Since we chased the council about its response to the initial report it has - albeit belatedly- sent an apology to the family and provided part of the financial remedy recommended.

‘The council’s failure to respond properly to the original report has shown a great deal of disrespect to the family, and can have only compounded their sense of injustice.’

‘I am disappointed it took prompting and the threat of this further report for the council to provide part of the remedy it had previously agreed,’ continued Mr King.

‘It still needs to provide evidence it has complied with other aspects of the original recommendations, including for their loss of services, which were clearly set out in the original report and have remained consistent throughout our regular correspondence with the council.’

The Ombudsman said the council should ensure it complies with the recommendations set out in the original report and provide evidence of this without delay.

It also ordered the council to pay the family an additional £250 for the injustice caused by having to issue a further report.

The council has been approach for comment.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director of Place

Hounslow London Borough Council
£159,840 - £186,282
We are now seeking a new Executive Director of Inclusive Growth & Place to lead this bold agenda Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Revenue Services Support Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£28377 - 36969 per annum
We have a vacancy in our Rent Collection Service and are looking for a capable and ambitious individual to join Richmond and Wandsworth Council’s Better Service Partnership. You will be a team player, articulate and organised and help play a central rol Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Benefits Assessment Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£34203 - £37067
Join West Northamptonshire Council and help make our community a great place to live, work, and thrive. As a Benefit Assessment Officer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting residents by ensuring Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims are pr Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Head of Facilities Management

Redbridge London Borough Council
£89,037 - £92,538
Our borough is beginning a huge transformation. With ambitious regeneration plans, a need for new infrastructure, Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Community Protection, Licensing and Regulatory Services

Redbridge London Borough Council
£competitive
This is your chance to be part of a new management team with a mandate for change and a shared sense of purpose. Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council
Linkedin Banner