A Merton Council spokesperson said:

The council strongly refutes the allegations made.    

Our resident is a happy and thriving young woman who is living in high-quality supported living with a dedicated two-to-one care team.  

Our resident has complex needs and is supported to cook, care for herself, shop, spend time with friends and go out and about into the community. She has strong, stable relationships with her staff team, who are absolutely dedicated to her wellbeing, happiness and safety.    

The council has no concerns about the provider, which is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.   

All concerns raised by the resident’s aunt have been thoroughly investigated by the council and a multi-disciplinary team, including police, health, advocacy and social care. No evidence has been found to substantiate the allegations made.     

Our resident is able to make informed decisions about her day-to-day life. She has capacity to decide who she sees and when, and is supported by her next of kin who is also her independent advocate.   

Visiting arrangements are made in line with her wishes – our resident has expressed a preference for weekly contact with her aunt. We also consider her best interests and our safeguarding responsibilities. Suggestion that access has been restricted as a punitive action is not true. 

Our resident’s views are listened to, supported by her advocate, and we are absolutely confident that her choices are being respected. 

We encourage family members to raise any concerns, and we deal with them. However, we are confident that the care provided is meeting our resident’s needs, and that robust oversight and safeguarding measures are in place.