Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) complained that the school, where her son (Mr C) is a pupil, did not bring to her attention that her son was entitled to apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the academic year 2006-2007. Mrs C says that Mr C, who has learning difficulties, missed out on receiving an EMA because retrospective payments cannot be made.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that the School did not bring to Mrs C's attention that Mr C was entitled to apply for an EMA for the academic year 2006-2007 (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that Dumfries and Galloway Council (the Council):
- (i) pay to Mrs C the sum of £1,140 in lieu of the basic allowance payment and an additional payment of £300 in lieu of the bonus payment which Mr C would have been entitled to had he applied for and received an EMA for session 2006-2007; and
- (ii) issue Mrs C with an apology for any inconvenience which she may have been caused.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.