Do not waste your time
Do not waste your time. I can add little to what has already been said in other reviews. I spent months gathering and presenting extensive evidence, believing the facts were clear and difficult to dispute. Our case handler admitted there was a lot of information to get through and he wasn’t and expert. As a result information was dismissed, overlooked, or ignored. Throughout the process, the Council appeared to be favoured at every stage, despite the fact their evidence was often vague, inconsistent, and, in some cases, inaccurate. There is little value in the draft decision stage when the outcome appears to have already been determined. The case handler did not return to the Council to challenge or verify the information it had provided, despite concerns being raised about its accuracy. 5 pages of objections, stating inaccuracies from the draft decision , were raised and we had a final decision within 3 hours As a result, the draft decision felt more like confirmation of a pre-existing conclusion than an opportunity for genuine review or reconsideration . Rather than receiving an impartial assessment, the experience felt like institutional gaslighting. What was most disappointing was not only the Council’s response but also the Ombudsman’s apparent unwillingness to properly scrutinise it. This was not my understanding at the beginning of the process of how an Ombudsman operates . I was very wrong and feel very let down Based on my experience, I do not believe this organisation operates independently. It appeared far more inclined to support the Council’s position than objectively assess the facts presented. Given the significant public funding it receives, serious questions should be asked about whether it is delivering the accountability and independent oversight taxpayers expect.