Telford & Wrekin Council (18 015 706)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 11-Jul-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about damage to Mr A’s property when the Council cut down hedges around his property. The courts are better placed to decide these matters.

London Borough of Lambeth (19 002 693)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 10-Jul-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council treating the complainant’s van as an abandoned vehicle. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Cheshire East Council (19 002 860)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 08-Jul-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about a Fixed Penalty Notice for an alleged dog fouling offence. This because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council and because the complainant can raise a defence in court.

Scarborough Borough Council (19 002 907)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 08-Jul-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman cannot investigate Mr A’s complaint that the Council failed to answer questions about the provision of signs, gave misleading information and failed to respond reasonably to his complaint about the matter. This is because the Council is not responsible for the substantive matter.

London Borough of Sutton (18 014 751)

Statement Upheld Other 03-Jul-2019

Summary: Mr D complains that the Council has failed to clean his street to the required standard. The Ombudsman finds no fault in the way the Council is maintaining the street. But the Ombudsman finds fault with the Council for the delay in dealing with Mr D’s complaint.

London Borough of Lambeth (18 016 266)

Statement Not upheld Other 27-Jun-2019

Summary: The Council is not at fault for removing the complainant’s boat and trailer from a road and wanting him to pay fees for their return. The Council properly followed the law.

Leeds City Council (19 000 264)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 27-Jun-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the friends of the local park group does not meet the Council’s criteria for such groups. This is because the complaint is late. Nor do we intend to investigate his complaint about a failure to adhere to the complaints procedure as we do not consider he has suffered a significant personal injustice on this point which warrants our involvement.

Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council (18 019 558)

Statement Upheld Other 25-Jun-2019

Summary: Ms C complains that the Council delayed in arranging a follow up pest control appointment after she complained about a previous visit. I have concluded my investigation on the basis that there was fault which led to a delay in arranging the follow up visit. The Council has agreed to offer a financial remedy to Ms C.

Leicester City Council (18 013 098)

Statement Upheld Other 19-Jun-2019

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s actions relating to wheelie bins, which were left out on the street after collections. We have not investigated his complaint about fixed penalty notices, because Mr and Mrs X had the right to appeal to tribunal. The Council was at fault when it invoiced Mr and Mrs X for costs of its investigation, which it did not have the power to do without taking court action. This caused stress and anxiety for Mr and Mrs X. The Council has agreed to apologise and decide whether it will pursue a claim for its costs through the county court. It will also consider whether it has put others in the same position as Mr and Mrs X.

Birmingham City Council (19 001 969)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 19-Jun-2019

Summary: Mr B complains the Council has not jet washed dirty and shabby litter bins in a shopping area he uses when it said it would. The Ombudsman will not investigate the complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault or injustice to warrant an investigation.