Ombudsman will not investigate expenses complaint

A decision by Telford and Wrekin Council to refuse to pay fuel costs for a man to "practice his faith" will not be investigated by an ombudsman.

The man, referred to as Mr X, wanted the authority to consider fuel to practice his faith as a disability-related expense (DRE).

The Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman said the council had considered the request before refusing it and a subsequent review, and had explained the reason for its decision.

The decision, made in April, said: "I am satisfied the council has considered the relevant law, guidance and policy when completing Mr X's financial assessment for contribution toward his adult social care costs."

The ombudsman added that the council had assessed Mr X should make no contribution to the cost of his care now.

"But if circumstances change and Mr X considers the council's position creates injustice later because it begins to charge him a contribution to his care costs, they may complain again, first to the council and then to the ombudsman," the decision concluded.

"We will not investigate Mr X's complaint because we are unlikely to find fault with the council's decision-making, and it has not yet caused injustice to Mr X in a way which we could investigate."

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