Care Act delays – Ombudsman directs local authority to pay £5,700

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has recently found a local authority at fault for the delay in arranging respite care for a young man transitioning into the Care Act as an adult. The Ombudsman stated: ‘Council records show Z was referred for respite care following his care needs assessment in August 2024. The Council considered Z required respite in August 2024 and had not secured the provision by May 2026. This is a twenty one month delay. The delay is fault which caused Z to miss out on respite care, and it caused Miss X distress, frustration as she was left to care for Z.’

The Ombudsman also found: ‘The Council’s records show it considered Z required two additional days at the day care centre from November 2024. The additional days were not secured until May 2026. This is a delay of approximately 18 months.’ 

The Ombudsman directed the local authority to apologise and pay a total of £5,700 (to the young man and his mother) caused by the uncertainty, distress and frustration caused by the Council’s delay in securing suitable care and respite provision.

Download the report: https://www.lgo.org.uk/decisions/adult-care-services/assessment-and-care-plan/25-012-308

Edge 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/