East Lindsey District Council (20 007 775)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 30-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X says the homes of a group of residents whom he represents have been damaged by works on land owned by the Council. I have discontinued investigation of this complaint because Mr X and the other residents have a legal remedy available against the Council.

Dorset Council (20 005 219)

Statement Not upheld Other 29-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to fulfil its public health and safety duties after he reported a dangerous structure in a public area. The Council was not at fault.

Horsham District Council (20 006 285)

Statement Not upheld Trees 29-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to transfer a tree preservation order from a felled oak tree to a replacement sapling near his home. The Council was not at fault. The replacement sapling was planted under a condition of the Tree Preservation decision notice, which gave permission to fell the oak tree. The Council decided not to award the replacement sapling with a tree preservation order. There was no fault in that decision.

Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council (20 008 250)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Antisocial behaviour 29-Mar-2021

Summary: Mrs X complained about the Council’s failure to resolve noise problems which she reported about the flat below her. We will not investigate this complaint. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation. We cannot investigate related tenancy matters which she complained about because we have no jurisdiction to investigate social housing landlords.

London Borough of Harrow (20 011 721)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 29-Mar-2021

Summary: On the evidence currently available, we will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about the Council’s tree causing damage to her property. This is because it would be reasonable to expect Ms X to pursue this matter in court.

Durham County Council (20 012 243)

Statement Upheld Cemeteries and crematoria 29-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council error concerning the purchase of burial plots in 2011. This is because the Council has provided a fair remedy.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council (20 011 794)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Licensing 26-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complains the Council has allowed its officers to carry out a vendetta against him and the trade organisation he represents by making malicious and defamatory statements. We will not investigate the complaint because earlier complaints made to us have already been investigated and if Mr X believes he has been defamed he can take the Council to court.

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (19 019 076)

Statement Upheld Refuse and recycling 26-Mar-2021

Summary: Mrs B complains the Council has repeatedly failed to collect her bins on the scheduled day and return them to the agreed location outside her house. Mrs B says she has experienced frustration and inconvenience due to this. The Ombudsman finds the Council at fault. To remedy the injustice Mrs B has experienced, the Council has agreed to apologise to Mrs X, make a payment to reflect the injustice caused and make certain service improvements.

Malvern Hills District Council (20 012 408)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 26-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr and Mrs X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of a tree preservation order (TPO) on a tree which they say threatens their property and wellbeing. Mr and Mrs X had a right of appeal to the planning inspector on the recent TPO decision which it was reasonable to use. They used their right of appeal on the earlier 2019 decision.

West Lindsey District Council (20 006 845)

Statement Upheld Antisocial behaviour 26-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr B complains about the way the Council responded to his reports of noise nuisance from his neighbour. We find fault with the Council for failing to investigate Mr B’s complaint. This caused Mr B injustice. The Council agrees actions to remedy the injustice to Mr B.