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.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£42,771-£55,323 Career Grade (ASYE SCP 29-30 | Consolidating SCP 32-35 | Proficient SCP 35-41)
Build meaningful relationships with children, young people and families. London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Educational Psychologist - Expert at Hand Lead

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Soulbury Scale B5 – B8 (£65,929 - £69957) plus Inner London allowance (£3940) and up to 3 SPA points (salary package currently under review)
You will lead the ongoing development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the model, ensuring that schools, settings London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Care Leavers Personal Advisor

Royal Borough of Greenwich
SO2- £40,182- £42,060
This is a rewarding, challenging and essential role, in our support of young people Leaving Care. Woolwich Common, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Children's Home Residential Practitioner (Bank Staff)

Gloucestershire County Council
£30,024 - £32,597 per annum (plus enhanced pay)
This is more than a job, it’s a chance to change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Practice and Quality Lead

Gloucestershire County Council
£49,817 - £53,051 per annum
You will provide professional leadership, coaching and quality assurance across Family Help services. Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council
Linkedin Banner