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

Careers and Skills Facilitator Part Time

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£40,260 - £48,789 (pro-rata)
Careers and Skills Facilitator... Richmond, Greater London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£26284.0000 - £33256.0000 per annum
Community Support WorkerPermanent, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £26284.0000 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Part Time£25,959 to £26,285 per annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Social Worker

Cheshire East Council
£43,149 - £49,658 per annum
At Cheshire East Council, we're looking for a passionate and skilled Senior Social Worker to join our children's services team. Macclesfield/ Crewe
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Educational Teaching Assistants - Southgate School

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£22,272 - £23,389
This is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner