July 2019 – Ombudsman Clear on Needs Assessment

02/07/2019

Somerset County Council reassessed the care needs of a disabled woman seeking support to remain living independently in sheltered housing after she complained to the Ombudsman but then failed to decide eligibility for financial support as part of the reassessment.  

After the reassessment, the woman complained a second time to the Ombudsman on the grounds that although the council had carried out a reassessment it had failed to determine whether her assessed needs were eligible needs so that she could receive financial support.

As a result of the investigation, the council agreed to apologise to the woman and pay her £250. It also agreed to update its care assessment to include a clear decision on eligibility.

 

Ombudsman Michael King said a needs assessment must contain two elements - an assessment of the need for help and a decision on eligibility. Without establishing eligibility the council could not be satisfied that she does not need a personal budget to meet any of her needs.

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