Family Awarded £1,000 After Council Fails To Provide Support

Brighton and Hove City Council has agreed to pay a family £1,000 after failing to provide occupational therapy and full education for their son in 2023.

The Local Government Ombudsman ruled the compensation after the mother’s complaint about delays and poor communication over her son’s Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan between January and October 2023.

The council admitted her son missed eight occupational therapy sessions and some tuition, including English, history, Spanish, and music GCSE lessons. The mother had to arrange private assessments herself.

Ombudsman guidance said the payment was needed to compensate for avoidable injustice caused by the council.

Councillor Emma Daniel, cabinet member for children and youth services, said:

“We fully accept the ombudsman’s findings and apologise for the distress caused.

"We are committed to ensuring every child receives the support they need and will follow the recommendations made.”