Local authority complaints procedures CA 1989 s. 24D
Local authorities must set up complaints procedures for care leavers and qualifying young persons, adhering to Secretary of State regulations.
Every local authority shall establish a procedure for considering representations (including complaints) made to them by— a relevant child for the purposes of section 23A or a young person falling within section 23C; a person qualifying for advice and assistance; or a person falling within section 24B(2), about the discharge of their functions under this Part in relation to him. Regulations may be made by the Secretary of State imposing time limits on the making of representations under subsection (1). In considering representations under subsection (1), a local authority shall comply with regulations (if any) made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this subsection.
Text in force at .
Source: legislation.gov.uk — The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk), reproduced under licence Open Government Licence v3.0.
What it actually says
This provision requires every local authority to establish a procedure for handling representations and complaints. It applies to relevant children, former relevant young persons, people qualifying for advice and assistance, and young persons eligible for education or employment assistance.
The representations must concern how the local authority has discharged its specific statutory functions under this Part of the Act toward that individual.
The Secretary of State may make regulations imposing time limits for making representations under subsection 1. Local authorities must comply with any such regulations when considering complaints.
When it applies
- A young person living independently complains that the local authority failed to provide agreed financial support for education accommodation.
- A care leaver submits a formal complaint regarding the local authority's failure to assign a personal adviser.
- A young person qualifying for assistance challenges a council decision refusing financial help for work tools.
What this section does not say
- Complaints about child protection investigations or court care orders, which are governed by distinct statutory complaint procedures.
- Disputes over private foster carer allowances or payments not involving transitional support functions for young care leavers.
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This page reproduces the text of CA 1989 s. 24D in force at the date shown and explains it in general terms. It is not legal advice and takes no account of the circumstances of your case, which can change the answer completely. For a live dispute, for limitation periods, and before taking any step in court, consult a qualified lawyer in England and Wales.