London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (19 016 535)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 28-Feb-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr C’s complaint about a council officer pursuing his wife from outside a park. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Suffolk County Council (19 008 836)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 28-Feb-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate how the Council considered the complainant’s concerns about fire risk from a hairdressing business at a neighbouring property. It is unlikely he would find evidence of fault by the Council as its fire protection officer has no concerns about the business.

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham (19 010 332)

Statement Upheld Other 27-Feb-2020

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to properly consider his reports about anti-social behaviour, dog fouling and littering on a piece of land adjacent to his property. There was some fault in that the Council failed to properly escalate Mr X’s complaint. However, the Council apologised for this and took appropriate action to consider his concerns. This was a reasonable remedy to the complaint.

Plymouth City Council (19 016 453)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 25-Feb-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not consider Mrs X’s complaint the Council issued her with a Fixed Penalty Notice for walking her dog off lead in a dog control area. Mrs X paid the Fixed Penalty Notice and therefore did not use her opportunity to defend herself in court. It is reasonable to expect Mrs X to have refused to pay the fine and argue her case in court if she wanted to challenge it.

Durham County Council (19 014 588)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 24-Feb-2020

Summary: Ms X complains the Council denies there is a problem in her area with fly tipping. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint as we are unlikely to find fault in the Council’s actions. Also, further investigation is unlikely to lead to a different outcome.

Rossendale Borough Council (19 005 685)

Statement Upheld Other 24-Feb-2020

Summary: Ms B complains about the behaviour of a pest control officer acting on behalf of the Council. She also complains about the Council’s handling of her insurance claim and her complaint. The Ombudsman finds avoidable delay by the Council and its insurer in dealing with Ms B’s claim. The Council has agreed to apologise to Ms B, pay her £300 in recognition of the frustration and time and trouble she was put to and pass her claim to its insurer who will issue a decision on liability within three months.

Environment Agency (19 017 017)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 23-Feb-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about damage to her car. This is because it is reasonable for Mrs X to use the legal remedy available to her.

Westminster City Council (19 004 025)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 12-Feb-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr B’s complaint the Council has failed to review public toilet provision in eating establishments and failed to create a guidance note. Further consideration of the complaint is unlikely to find the Council’s actions have caused a significant personal injustice to Mr B.

Sedgemoor District Council (19 016 558)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 12-Feb-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about damage to her car allegedly caused by a council employee strimming grass. This is because it is reasonable for Mrs X to use the legal remedy available to her.

Torridge District Council (19 007 225)

Statement Upheld Other 07-Feb-2020

Summary: Miss X complained about the Council’s advice when she tried to make a nuisance complaint. There was some fault in the Council’s initial advice, but this did not cause a significant injustice. I have found no fault in the Council’s subsequent advice or investigation.