Colin Slasberg, on behalf of Barnet Forum for Independent Living

Hendon Town Hall - where Barnet Council holds its meetings — Hendon Town Hall – (Credit – LDRS)

Dear Barnet Post

Last week you reported the Ombudsman ordered Barnet Council to pay £47K compensation to Mr X having failed to deliver its responsibilities to him under the Care Act. In accepting the judgement, the Council wanted readers to believe the case was exceptional.

But this is far from the truth. All that is exceptional is Mr X’s determination to pursue his legal and human rights. Most people who need the Council’s care are too weary with life and too fearful of the Council to complain.

But the Barnet Forum for Independent Living has built a dossier that shows that Barnet Council systematically breaches its responsibilities under the Care Act.

The dossier was built in partnership with the Labour group whilst in opposition. Labour was elected last year on a manifesto pledge to create ‘a new model of social care’ to put the person ‘at the centre’. In power, it has meekly submitted to the Director who insists the Council already puts the person at the centre.

We can be sure Mr X would disagree. So would the two thirds of people whose dis-satisfaction nationally amounts to a ‘shaming level of misery’. Barnet is no different.

Colin Slasberg, on behalf of Barnet Forum for Independent Living

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