News

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The girl's parents complained that the council had withdrawn access to weekend respite care for their daughter, contrary to the findings of an assessment and the wishes and needs of the family.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.