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

Assistant Road Safety Officer (Professional and Technical Officer Level 2)

Bristol City Council
£29,064 - £31,022
Are you passionate about creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable streets? Join our Road Safety Team within the City Transport Service 100 Temple Street Redcliffe Bristol BS1 6AN
Recuriter: Bristol City Council

Road Safety Officer (Professional and Technical Officer Level 2)

Bristol City Council
£35,412 - £39,152
Are you passionate about creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable streets? Join our Road Safety Team within the City Transport Service 100 Temple Street Redcliffe Bristol BS1 6AN
Recuriter: Bristol City Council

Private Sector Housing Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 to £34,434 pro rata, per annum
Do you have experience in housing solutions or a related service? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Records Assistant

Wakefield Council
£24,796.00 - £25,185.00, Grade 3, 37 hours, Temporary
We are seeking to appoint committed and motivated Records Assistants Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Waste Recycling Operative

Wakefield Council
£26,403.00 - £28,142.00, Grade 5, 37 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Waste Recycling Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner