Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (21 005 709)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 25-Jan-2022

Summary: Ms X complains about the costs the Council has recovered from her for its actions in clearing waste accumulated by Ms X’s tenant. We will not investigate the complaint because we are unlikely to find evidence of fault by the Council.

Herefordshire Council (21 013 388)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 24-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to prosecute the complainant. We cannot consider a complaint about the start of court action or a complaint where someone has used their right of appeal in a court of law. It would also be reasonable for the complainant to take the issue regarding alleged damage to her property to court.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council (21 013 844)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 21-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about damage caused to the complainant’s property by a Council employee. This is because it is reasonable to expect the complainant to go to court to determine any liability owed by the Council.

Eastbourne Borough Council (21 014 202)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 21-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint that his car was damaged by a Council refuse vehicle. This is because it is reasonable for Mr B to pursue his compensation claim by taking the Council to court.

City of Wolverhampton Council (21 015 231)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 19-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint that his parents’ property was damaged due to the Council’s failure to maintain vegetation on neighbouring land. This is because it is reasonable for Mr B to pursue his compensation claim by taking the Council to court.

Isle of Wight Council (21 013 144)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 18-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s management of its cemeteries. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council. It is also unlikely we could add to the Council’s response.

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (21 002 385)

Statement Upheld Other 17-Jan-2022

Summary: Mr X complained the Council wrongly cleared his friend’s property and disposed of all items following their death. The Council was at fault. We cannot say whether a full house clearance was necessary, but there was a lack of evidence to support the actions the Council took. The Council has already agreed to waive the clearance fee, apologised for any distress caused and it also put measures in place to improve how it manages similar cases. These are appropriate actions to remedy any injustice caused to Mr X. The Council has agreed it will also review how it communicates with contractors to carry out work it has requested them to do.

Harlow District Council (21 012 943)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 17-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the maintenance of trees on the boundary between Council land and the complainant’s own property. This is a private matter, and it would be reasonable from X to seek a remedy in the courts if the Council does not accept liability for damages or nuisance from its land.

Plymouth City Council (21 013 174)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 14-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a fixed penalty notice as it has been cancelled by the Council.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (20 010 131)

Statement Upheld Other 13-Jan-2022

Summary: Miss X said the Council failed to investigate her complaint about the smell caused by clinical waste bins from a neighbouring care home. We have seen nothing to indicate the Council knew about Miss X’s concerns before she complained to the Ombudsman. The Council was not at fault. However, the Council’s failure to consider Miss X’s complaint under the Environmental Protection Act after we told it of her concerns was fault. This caused Miss X avoidable frustration. The Council has since taken action to remedy the injustice.