Question 47
How do I challenge a care needs assessment I disagree with?
To challenge a care needs assessment, write to the council's adult social care team and explain specifically which parts of the assessment you believe are wrong and why. A general complaint that the assessment is unfair carries less weight than a point-by-point challenge with supporting evidence. Include letters from GPs, hospital reports or a written account of daily difficulties. The council must consider the challenge and respond. If the review does not resolve the issue, escalate through the council's formal complaints process. The final escalation is the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Be specific about what is wrong — identifying the exact section and the evidence that contradicts it is far more effective than a general objection.
What changes the answer
- Whether supporting medical evidence is available
- How recently the assessment was carried out
- Whether needs have changed since the assessment was done