Decision details

Declarations of interest for this item:

None

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Noted the findings of the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman’s public report (Ref: 24 014 203) Appendix 1.

2.    Approved the Council’s response and endorse the action plan set out in Appendix 2.

3.    Authorised the Director of Adult Social Care to provide evidence to the Ombudsman of the Council’s compliance with the recommendations by 19 November 2025.

4.    Agreed to that further assurance updates will be provided to the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel

Reasons for decision

The decision will ensure that the Council meets its statutory duty under Section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1974 to formally consider the Ombudsman’s public report within three months of publication.

The recommendations also provide assurance that the Council is taking appropriate steps to address the issues identified, provide redress to those affected, and strengthen systems to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Alternative options considered

There are no alternative options. The Council is legally required to formally consider the Ombudsman’s report and to respond within the required timeframe.  It is not mandatory to follow the Ombudsman’s recommendations, but it is recommended that the Council does.