Issue - meetings

(Report of the Assistant Chief Executive Policy, Performance Partnerships and Communication – To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Involvement): To receive and consider a report of the Local government Ombudsman and to determine action to be taken in the light of the finding of maladministration and the Ombudsman’s recommendations.

Commission for Local Administration Investigation report into complaint no 07/A/04966 (Report of the Assistant Chief Executive Policy, Performance, Partnerships and Communication - Agenda Item 20)

RESOLVED:

1. That the findings of the investigation report be noted.

2. That it be noted that the General Purposes Committee had agreed a payment to Mr Oak of £700 compensation and £150  for his time and trouble (£50 of which had already been paid under the Council’s complaints procedure) in pursuing the complaint.

3. That, with regard to the Ombudsman’s recommendation that guidance be issued to officers who deal with disputes over direct payments to landlords, it be noted that interim guidance had already been issued to benefits assessment staff, pending introduction of new regulations relating to the Local Housing Allowance in April 2008.