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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Team Manager - Care Leavers Team

Nottingham City Council
£53,051 - £56,293
As Team Manager for the Care Leavers Team, you will lead and support a dedicated team working with young people transitioning from care into adulthood Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Technician

Essex County Council
£32086.00 - £37748.00 per annum
TechnicianPermanent, Full Time£32,086 up to £37,748 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Communications Officer

Essex County Council
£37226.7100 - £42110.5400 per annum
Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Communications Officer, a full-time position offe England, Essex, Maldon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Technical Support Officer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £150.0000 per day
Technical Support Officer - Harlow District Council Location, HarlowFull time, Temporary - 37.5 Hours per week12 Month Contract £116.96 PAYE / £150.00 England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner