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

Lead Social Worker WMF2939e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£47,181 to £48,226
We have an exciting opportunity for the role of Lead Social Worker in the Learning Disability, Transition and Autism Team Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Streetworks Compliance Officer WMF2942e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£36,363.00 - £37,280.00
The Streetworks Compliance Officer role within the Highways Service plays a vital part in managing and overseeing streetworks Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Family Hub Practitioner - WMF2923e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£32,061 - £32,597
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Family Hub Practitioner in the Best Start Family Hubs Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 pro rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a part time temporary 24 month contract Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services. WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£37,101- £45,352
KS2 Class Teacher (Maternity Cover)  This is a maternity cover post and will continue until the substantive post holder returns. The successful candid Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner