Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about provision of Autism specefic services. There is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about his adult social care support provided by the Council. He said the Council used providers that were not Autism specefic. He said the Council had also not supported him to manage his flat. Mr X said the lack of appropriate support had resulted in frustration and caused his mental health to deteriorate. He wants the Council to provide Autism specefic services.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide:

• there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating, or
• we could not add to any previous investigation by the organisation, or
• it would be reasonable for the person to ask for a council review or appeal.

(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mr X is Autistic. The Council has assessed him as needing support with personal relationships, accessing training and work opportunities, and engaging in the wider community. It meets these needs by arranging weekly provision at a daycentre for adults with additional needs.
6. The Council reviewed Mr X’s provision during his annual review and was satisfied it continued to meet his needs. It also made a referral to an Autism specefic group to support Mr X if he wished to attend.
7. Although Mr X does not feel the arranged services provide adequate Autism support, we will not investigate this complaint. The provision arranged by the Council is for adults with learning difficulties including Autism. The Council is satisfied it meets Mr X’s care and support needs. There is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement. In addition, the Council has told Mr X that the provision of Autism specefic services, is an area of ongoing development. We could not add to the Council’s response.
8. We will also not investigate Mr X’s complaint the Council has not supported him with his accommodation. Mr X is not assessed as needing support in this area, therefore, the Council does not need to provide support with it. If Mr X feels his care and support needs have changed, he can ask the Council for a care needs review.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman