9 findings available

Complaint against the Department for Communities

An architect complained that he was unfairly removed from a project to restore a historic monument.

Case Summary

PIP and the value of further evidence - follow up report

In June 2021 the Ombudsman found that repeated failings by the Department for Communities in how it handled further evidence amounted to ‘systemic maladministration’. Ombudsman Margaret Kelly made 33 recommendations on how the system could be improved.

This follow-up report shows that out of the 33 recommendations made, 10 have been fully met, 18 partly met, and 5 not met. 

Own Initiative Investigation

Man has thousands of pounds in benefits repaid after being wrongly told to apply for Universal Credit

Our investigation led to the Department for Communities repaying over £11,000 to a man after we found he was given poor advice which caused him to lose his existing benefits.

Investigation Report

Report upholds man's complaint about suspension of PIP

Our investigation examined a man's claims that the Department for Communities had failed to consider his ‘difficulties’ when considering his claim for the Personal Independence Payment benefit, and that it lacked understanding of his condition.

Investigation Report

PIP and the value of further evidence

Our investigation found that the Department for Communities and Capita failed to properly obtain and use all relevant medical information to help them assess claims for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit.

Own Initiative Investigation

Restrictive Practices in Northern Ireland Schools - an overview report

This report contains details of investigations into restrictive practices in schools, identifies recurring themes, and includes a number of recommendations to the Department of Education.

Own Initiative Investigation

Failings found in 'appointee' process

The Ombudsman has recommended that the Department for Communities should review its operation of the appointee procedure following an investigation into a complaint.

Investigation Report

Ombudsman critical of Transport NI’s failure to provide and record reasons why four planning applications were considered acceptable.

An investigation into the way Transport NI (now DfI Roads) dealt with consultation responses to a planning application has led to the Ombudsman making a number of recommendations.

Investigation Report

Investigation finds that Department did not respond adequately to complaint

The Ombudsman has recommended that the Northern Ireland Civil Service review elements of their Dignity at Work policy after she found maladministration in the way the Department for Communities handled a complaint from a member of the public.

Investigation Report

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