Introduction:

The ongoing situation raises serious concerns about accountability and transparency within government departments. Despite repeated attempts to seek clarification, we contacted the office of Rt Hon Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (DHSC), via 0300 790 4007 and 92034757901, yet they had no comment.

It is deeply troubling that a department under investigation is being scrutinized by the very body that funds it. This clear conflict of interest undermines the integrity of any inquiry and calls into question the legitimacy of the process. Such a lack of oversight is not only unacceptable but shameful.

Subject: Clarification on DHSC Funding for LGSCO

Dear DHSC Public Enquiries,

I recently contacted the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (now the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, DLUHC) regarding the funding of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO). I was informed that the budget for the LGSCO is provided by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

This seems unusual, given that the LGSCO primarily handles complaints related to local government services rather than direct health services. Could you clarify:

1. Does DHSC provide funding for the LGSCO?
2. If so, under what agreement or authority is this funding arrangement in place?
3. Why is DHSC responsible for funding an ombudsman that primarily deals with local government matters?
4. How does this funding arrangement impact the LGSCO’s impartiality when handling complaints related to social care services?

I would appreciate your response to better understand this matter.

Best regards,

Mr. Martin Newbold

This communication was also sent to the LGSCO, which appears to be obfuscating its funding from public view. We can now inform you that the reason the LGSCO is not investigating cases is that its funding is being withdrawn by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

This is very worrying and suggests that incidents like Baby P and the cases involving pedophile gangs in Manchester are once again on the horizon, as the regulator has become the instigator?