Stoke-on-Trent City Council (19 015 820)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 24-Jan-2020

Summary: Mr L complained a Council housing officer shared his confidential information with someone making a complaint against him. He also complained about the housing officer’s behaviour for 18 months. The Ombudsman cannot consider Mr L’s complaint as both matters related to an issue considered in court.

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council (19 009 335)

Statement Not upheld Private housing 23-Jan-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman found no fault on Mr Y’s complaint of the Council failing to exercise discretion and waive the repayment of the housing assistance grant it gave his late mother in 2006. The Council correctly decided the grant was repayable. It also considered his challenges to its decision.

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham (19 013 751)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 21-Jan-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the landlord licensing scheme because the Council has agreed to extend the complainant’s licence so it is valid for five years.

Erewash Borough Council (19 012 648)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 24-Dec-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Ms B’s complaints about inspections the Council carried out at her private rented property in 2016 and 2017. The complaint is late and there are no good reasons for the Ombudsman to exercise his discretion and now investigate.

London Borough of Croydon (19 005 474)

Statement Upheld Private housing 23-Dec-2019

Summary: Ms C complains about the way the Council dealt with her as the landlord of a property about hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Ms C says she suffered unnecessary stress, costs and time and trouble in pursuing the matter. The Ombudsman has found fault by the Council but considers the agreed actions of an apology, £100 and service improvements provide a suitable remedy in addition to the actions the Council had already taken.

London Borough of Hillingdon (19 012 500)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 19-Dec-2019

Summary: Ms B complains about the Council’s handling of matters relating to a housing Improvement Notice issued to her. 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.

Northumberland County Council (19 008 049)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 17-Dec-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr D’s complaint about hazards at his privately rented property and the way the Council has dealt with his complaint. Further consideration of the complaint is unlikely to find fault by the Council.

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council (19 003 287)

Statement Not upheld Private housing 12-Dec-2019

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s Housing and Environmental Health Department but decided to withdraw his complaint.

London Borough of Haringey (19 004 320)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 10-Dec-2019

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s failure to accept responsibility for damage to his property caused by tenants recommended under an incentive scheme for private landlords. The Ombudsman should not investigate this complaint. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.

Bracknell Forest Council (19 010 422)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 06-Dec-2019

Summary: Ms B complains about the Council’s handling of matters relating to its direct action in clearing her garden. 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.