Carer parents win council pay-out

North Yorkshire Council has agreed to pay £2,000 compensation
to a couple after the local government ombudsman found serious
shortcomings in the service it provided to their severely disabled
child.

The girl’s parents complained that the council had withdrawn access
to weekend respite care for their daughter, contrary to the
findings of an assessment and the wishes and needs of the family.
The couple also complained about the council investigation into
their complaint.

Ombudsman Patricia Thomas said the council had failed to assess the
girl’s needs properly over six years.

Contrary to the statutory duty placed on councils, North Yorkshire
refused to accept responsibility for the withdrawal of respite care
when the charity that ran the home the girl attended closed it on
Sundays.

The council has now taken steps to review its procedures.