Decision

The Audit Committee has decided to approve the recommendations regarding the Local Government Social Care Ombudsman Annual Review and to implement a system for six-monthly updates on related enquiries and outcomes.

Analysis

outcome: The Audit Committee approved the recommendations to note the content of the report and the LGSCO's Annual Letters for 2022/23, and to receive six-monthly updates on Ombudsman enquiries and outcomes.

summary: The decision concerns the review of complaints made to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) about the Council's predecessor authorities and the compliance with Ombudsman recommendations.

topline: The Audit Committee has decided to approve the recommendations regarding the Local Government Social Care Ombudsman Annual Review and to implement a system for six-monthly updates on related enquiries and outcomes.

reason_contentious: The issue may be contentious due to the public interest in the Council's response to complaints and adherence to Ombudsman recommendations, which can reflect on the Council's accountability and service quality.

affected_stakeholders: Local residents, Council's predecessor authorities, Council members, and the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There is no direct mention of political parties or political influence on the decision, but as council members may be affiliated with political parties, their decisions could be influenced by party politics.

URL: https://westmorlandandfurness.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=110

Decision Maker: Audit Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee considered a report of the Chief Legal Officer and Monitoring Officer regarding the Local Government Social Care Ombudsman Annual Review Letter2022/23 for Legacy Councils.   The report presented by the Information Governance and Investigations Coordinator with information relating to complaints made to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) regarding the Council’s predecessor authorities for the year ended March 2023.   The LGSCO release these statistics on an annual basis and the four LGSCO Annual Review letters for 2022-23 were considered by the Committee.   The headlines from the Annual Letters showed the following outcomes in relation to complaint investigations undertaken, which were explained in further detail in the report.   There were a total of 28 complaints upheld from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023 as well as 21 Compliance with Ombudsman recommendations based on a total of 18 compliance outcomes from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023. There was a 100% satisfactory remedy where cases had been upheld but the Council had already provided a satisfactory remedy.   By way of comparison 510 complaints had been received by Westmorland and Furness from 1 April to 30 June 2024.  In the same period the Ombudsman had upheld five complaints against Westmorland and Furness.   He updated verbally on the actions being taken regarding the Stage 2 delay issues and the public report that had been issued by the Ombudsman.  Committee were reassured by the actions he described as being taken but noted that it was referenced in the report.   It was agreed for future reports when providing details of the ‘Remedy/Learning Actions’ from upheld decisions, where ‘themes’ were identified, the report incorporated any wider actions being taken and not just report on an individual case basis.   It was moved by Cllr Coles and seconded by Cllr Battye, and   RESOLVED,To unanimously agree:-   1.   To note the content of the report and the LGSCO’s Annual Letters for 2022/23 attached as Appendices 1-4.; and   2.   To receive six monthly updates as to the number of Ombudsman enquiries being received and the outcomes and learning from these investigations.

Date of Decision: September 20, 2023