London Borough of Camden (25 003 214)

Statement Upheld Other 19-Aug-2025

Summary: Ms B complained that the Council had delayed excessively in completing the investigation of her complaint at stage two of the statutory children’s complaints procedure. This has caused her frustration and distress. We found the Council had delayed well outside the statutory time limits. The Council has agreed to complete the stage two investigation, apologise to Ms B and pay her £350. It has already taken action to speed up the process.

Kent County Council (25 006 807)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 19-Aug-2025

Summary: We cannot investigate Miss X’s complaint about the content of a social worker’s report and information shared with a court. This is because the law says the Ombudsman cannot investigate matters which have been or are being considered by a court.

Brighton & Hove City Council (25 007 864)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 19-Aug-2025

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about information included in a report that the Council provided during court proceedings. The law prevents us from investigating complaints about what happened in court.

Gloucestershire County Council (25 007 969)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 19-Aug-2025

Summary: We cannot investigate Miss X’s complaint that the Council provided inaccurate information during court proceedings. The law prevents us from investigating what happened in court.

Cheshire West & Chester Council (25 002 271)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 14-Aug-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the conduct of a support worker. This is mainly because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating.

Hertfordshire County Council (24 017 085)

Statement Upheld Other 13-Aug-2025

Summary: Mrs X complained about the Council’s investigation under the statutory children’s complaints procedure into her concerns about the Council failing to adequately assess and provide support for her disabled child. The Council investigated the complaint and carried out the recommended actions without fault. However it delayed completing the stage two investigation which was fault. The Council has agreed to pay the £450 offered to Mrs X in its stage two response to acknowledge the distress, frustration and uncertainty caused by the delays and upheld complaints.

Lancashire County Council (25 002 851)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 13-Aug-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr F’s complaint about contact with his children because there is no evidence of fault by the Council. Contact is a private matter between Mr F and his wife.

Kent County Council (25 001 760)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 13-Aug-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint that the Council failed to provide care services for her and her child. There is not enough evidence of fault in the Council’s actions.

Cornwall Council (25 002 762)

Statement Upheld Other 12-Aug-2025

Summary: Mrs X complained that the Council did not meet statutory timescales or keep her updated when handling her complaint about its children’s social care services. We find the Council at fault for delays and not providing adequate updates which caused distress uncertainty and frustration. The Council agreed to apologise and make a symbolic payment to remedy the injustice.

Lancashire County Council (24 017 954)

Statement Upheld Other 11-Aug-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council has failed to make correct direct payments for his child, C and failed to explain what he can use these for. The Council is at fault which has caused Mr X uncertainty and distress. The Council has agreed to a package or remedies which includes recalculating the direct payments and make any outstanding payments. It should also confirm in writing how it has calculated the amount and what Mr X can use the money for.