The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found fault in Gloucestershire County Council’s handling of a care-home funding transition.
What happened
The Council issued contradictory correspondence about contributions and full-cost responsibility. The Ombudsman found that the move from council-funded to self-funded care was not managed properly and the family was not offered the option of the Council continuing to arrange the care while the full cost was paid.
The remedy
The Council agreed to review its procedures and standard letters so transitions comply with Care Act guidance, and to complete the necessary financial consequences once the relevant capital position was reached.
Black Sheep evidence lesson
Care-charging disputes require a dated financial sequence: every assessment, capital figure, property valuation, letter, contract change, invoice and threshold date. Contradictory letters should be placed side by side so the practical consequences of each can be tested.