Bury Council has been ordered to pay hundreds of pounds in compensation after it incorrectly tried to limit the cost of care for a woman with cerebral palsy. A local government ombudsman investigated a complaint made by a woman living with the condition, which severely affects her speech.
The woman, referred to in the investigation as Miss X, has a support package which provides a care worker two mornings per week to assist her. Miss X also employs Mrs Y as a personal assistant for help at times throughout the day.
In February 2022, Bury Council said the the care agency she was using charged more than the council’s hourly rates, which had an upper limit of £15.54. The council called Mrs Y and said personal budget policy stated it would generally only pay the same hourly rate it paid other people and providers it commissions.
