Mr X is a foster carer for his grandchild. He complained that that the Council would not allow him to access part of its payment policy; he said that there should be equal treatment for all foster carers.
Based on the information available, it appeared to the Ombudsman that Mr X’s complaint should have been considered under the statutory social services complaints procedure, but had not been.
The Council agreed to apologise to Mr X and to open an investigation under stage 2 of the statutory process within 1 month.