Issue - meetings

The Ombudsman published a report on 27 April 2018 finding maladministration against the Council that caused injustice to the complainant.

It was agreed that following consideration by Cabinet, the report would be referred to Overview & Scrutiny and the Standards Committee.

Between publication of this agenda and the actual meeting of the Health Select Committee, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman report (Ref 16 015 946) will have been considered by Cabinet on 3 July 2018.

The Chairman introduced the item noting that the report had been considered at Cabinet on the 3 July 2018.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Public Protection went on to note the response from Cabinet outlining and action plan on how to mitigate the issues going forward. It was explained that complaints within the council should be handled via a 2 stage process and external complaints follow a 1 stage process.

Resolved

To note the report, the findings from the LGO, the response provided by Cabinet and the proposed action plan and to welcome an update in 6 months on outstanding actions.  

Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director

Councillor Jerry Wickham presented the report which informed Cabinet of the findings and recommendations in the report of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (“the Ombudsman”) published on 27 April 2018 and to confirm the Council’s response to the report. In presenting the report, Councillor Wickham highlighted the actions proposed in response to the eleven points and reemphasised the apology that had already been made.

There being no further questions, the meeting;

Resolved

a)     To note the findings and recommendations in the Ombudsman’s

report published on 27 April 2018;

b)    To confirm the Council’s acceptance of the Ombudsman’s findings

and recommendations and the actions to remedy the injustice as set out in the report.

c)     To authorise the Director of Adult Care Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Public Protection to take the necessary steps to address the issues raised in the Ombudsman's report.

d)    To require that a progress report is made to the Standards Committee and to the Health Select Committee within 6 months.

Reason for Decision:

To enable the Council to consider the Ombudsman’s report and formally confirm its response to the Ombudsman as required by law.