London Borough of Newham (19 010 442)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 25-Nov-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman should not investigate this complaint about the Council not moving the occupant of Ms X’s rented property. This is because it would be reasonable for Ms X or her managing agent to take court action against the Council if necessary.

Elmbridge Borough Council (19 011 789)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 22-Nov-2019

Summary: A man complained that the Council had deceived him and the Ombudsman in its response to a complaint he made in 2017, by withholding relevant documents. But the Ombudsman will not investigate the complaint as it is unlikely we would find fault with the Council or that we could achieve a worthwhile outcome.

Manchester City Council (19 010 108)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 13-Nov-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr B’s complaint about the Council’s failure to address the problem caused by an empty property next to one he owns. This is because old events dating from 2012 fall outside our jurisdiction due to the passage of time and, with regard to the current situation, because an investigation is unlikely to add to that already carried out by the Council or lead to a different outcome.

Torbay Council (19 009 696)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 07-Nov-2019

Summary: Mr B complains about the Council’s handling of matters relating to the removal of a restrictive covenant affecting his property. The Ombudsman will not investigate the complaint because it is unlikely we can add to the investigation already carried out by the Council and an investigation is unlikely to lead to a different outcome.

London Borough of Newham (19 004 327)

Statement Not upheld Other 30-Oct-2019

Summary: Mrs B complains the Council has asked her to repair or replace a wall at her own cost that the Council considers to be potentially dangerous. Mrs B says the Council should pay half the costs and the Council has not followed the correct legal process. We find the courts are in the best position to decide the matter. So, we have ended our investigation.

Broxbourne Borough Council (19 001 511)

Statement Upheld Other 22-Oct-2019

Summary: Mr B complains the Council failed to take effective action to deal with an overcrowded property next to his own which was also a source of anti-social behaviour. We uphold the complaint finding examples of poor customer service in how the Council responded to Mr B’s contacts. We consider these caused Mr B injustice as distress and putting him to unnecessary time and trouble. The Council accepts these findings and has agreed to apologise to Mr B and pay him a financial remedy of £400.

London Borough of Brent (19 005 464)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 15-Oct-2019

Summary: A man complained about the Council’s failure to take action in response to his concerns that his private rented accommodation did not have planning permission and was not licensed as a House in Multiple Occupation. But the Ombudsman will not investigate this matter. This because the man’s main complaints have been made late, and there is no sign he suffered a significant injustice as a result of fault by the Council in respect of any other issues he raised.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (19 009 869)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 08-Oct-2019

Summary: Mr X complains about delay by the Council in ensuring a derelict property near his home was improved and that an officer lied about what took place when they visited Mr X. The Ombudsman will not investigate as it is unlikely any investigation will lead to a different outcome.

Leeds City Council (19 008 675)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 27-Sep-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about the Council’s alleged failure to pay her an agreed amount of compensation. This is because there is no indication of fault by the Council.

Manchester City Council (19 006 553)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 24-Sep-2019

Summary: Ms X complained about the Council’s demolition of the council housing which was joined to her property. She says her insurance premiums are higher now the property is semi-detached. The Ombudsman should cannot investigate this complaint. This is because the complaint concerns the management of social housing and this is a private matter between Ms X and the Council’s landlord service.