A man with special needs should not have had his support package significantly cut by London Borough of Bromley, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has found.
Calls to our Personal Budgets helpline show that this is a common problem facing many disabled people, where personal budgets are cut. Without a proper reassessment of care needs, cuts to a care package often place a greater burden onto family members who are already providing a great deal of support.
In this case, the man, who has autism and other needs, and his mother had been in receipt of support which included one-to-one care, transport costs and a placement in a care centre.
The London Borough of Bromley significantly cut the level of support at short notice, without reassessing the family’s needs, leaving the man’s mother to support her son during the holidays.
Michael King, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said:
“Families with significant care needs like this rely on the right support being provided in the right way, and at the right time. Councils cannot change care packages at short notice and without making the proper assessments.
“I am pleased Bromley council has agreed to my recommendations to improve its services and welcome the changes it will now put in place.”
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