Contact: Graham Linecar Ext 7390

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were taken:

i. That the Cabinet notes the publication by the Local Government Ombudsman of a report on his investigation of a complaint against the County Council, and the conclusions set out in the Ombudsman's report and endorses the decisions of the Standards Committee, in particular the Committee's view that the complaint should have been investigated jointly with the Health Service Ombudsman.

ii. That a copy of the report of the Head of Corporate and Legal Services and Monitoring Officer be sent to the Strategic Health Authority and National Health Service Executive.

2. Reason

To inform the Executive of the Ombudsman's conclusions and of the Standards Committee's consideration of those conclusions and its decision. This supports Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy, Improving Services.

3. Other options considered and rejected:
None

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted - None

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T K Thornber CBE