Care Act delays and their impact

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has recently found a local authority at fault for its delay in completing a Care Act assessment. The Ombudsman stated: ‘The time taken from the date of the request (14 December 2023) to the completion of the assessment (July 2025) is 19 months. This constitutes a significant delay in the assessment process and is fault by the Council.’ 

In relation to the impact of the delay in carrying out the assessment, the Ombudsman noted: ‘Mrs X [mother] says Mr Y’s [son] mental health deteriorated significantly during the period in question, and that he received no support following the cessation of his EHC Plan. Mrs X says Mr Y became virtually housebound and experienced suicidal ideation, and that she had to remain hyper-vigilant as a result. Mrs X says this in turn significantly impacted her own mental health and stress levels and led to her feeling that she was at breaking point.’

The Ombudsman directed the local authority to apologise and pay £1,000 to the man and his mother. Download the report: https://www.lgo.org.uk/decisions/adult-care-services/assessment-and-care-plan/25-013-429

Edge training deliver a wide range of courses on the Care Act for adult social care staff. In addition, we offer free training for families and carers on the Care Act. Details from: https://www.edgetraining.org.uk/