Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (20 011 734)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 11-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that water in a garage the complainant rents from the Council damaged his belongings. This is because claims for damages need to be dealt with through insurers or the courts.

London Borough of Sutton (20 010 588)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 01-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint because allegations of fraud can be reported to the police, complaints about heating costs should be made to the Energy Ombudsman and it is likely the fire safety system in the property is the responsibility of the building landlord, not the Council.

London Borough of Havering (20 010 470)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 23-Feb-2021

Summary: Ms X complained about the Council’s breach of a private contract when it returned her property with outstanding damage from the previous tenants. We should not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint. This is because the complaint was received outside the normal 12-month period for considering complaints and it was reasonable for her to take court action over the contractual breach.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (20 010 439)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 18-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s breach of a private lease agreement when it carried out unsatisfactory repairs to a flat which he leased to it. We should not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint. This is because it relates to matters outside the normal 12-month period for receiving complaints. It was reasonable for Mr X to challenge the Council for breaching his private contract at the time, in the courts.

North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council (20 010 676)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 18-Feb-2021

Summary: We cannot investigate Mr Q’s complaint that the Council trespassed on his property and failed to serve him with a Party Wall Act notice when it did improvement works to the neighbouring property. This is because we have no jurisdiction to consider council housing management issues.

London Borough of Haringey (20 011 848)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 17-Feb-2021

Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about damage caused to his garden which he wants the Council to put right. This complaint relates to the Council’s management of its social housing and so is outside our legal remit.