London Borough of Sutton (19 021 219)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 28-Apr-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about a blocked gutter he says was due to the time taken for the Council to carry out work to a tree. This is because we cannot establish liability in claims involving damage to property.

Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council (19 019 006)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 24-Apr-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mrs B’s complaint that the Council has refused to remove a tree close to her property. This is because it is unlikely we would find fault on the Council’s part.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (19 020 465)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 14-Apr-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s refusal to allow works to a protected tree. This is because it is reasonable for Mr X to use the appeal rights available to him. It would not be a good use of public funds to investigate Mr X’s related concerns.

London Borough of Southwark (19 017 254)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 09-Apr-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate how the Council decided to confirm a provisional Tree Protection Order on a tree in the complainant’s garden. It is unlikely he would find fault affected the Council’s decision. Further, the planning system provides a clear path for the complainant to pursue her wish to fell the tree.

City of Wolverhampton Council (19 019 957)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 07-Apr-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about damage to her property she says is due to trees on council land. This is because the Ombudsman cannot establish liability in cases involving damage to property. It is reasonable for Miss X to use the legal remedy available to her.

Milton Keynes Council (19 019 708)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 03-Apr-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about damage to her property she says was due to a tree on council land. This is because the Ombudsman cannot establish liability in cases involving damage to property. It is reasonable for Mrs X to use the legal remedy available to her.

Manchester City Council (19 018 760)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 03-Apr-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about damage to his wife’s car from a falling branch. This is because we cannot decide liability in such matters. Mr X is unhappy with how the Council has dealt with his claim, but we will not look at complaint handling as a standalone issue.

Somerset County Council (19 019 786)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 01-Apr-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about damage to his property from a tree and the conduct of council officers. This is because we cannot establish liability in complaints involving damage to property. Also, it is unlikely we could add anything to the Council’s response or achieve the outcome Mr X wants.

London Borough of Lewisham (19 019 722)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 31-Mar-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Miss X’s complaint the Council’s tree is damaging her gate and fence. The complaint is late. Also, she can ask the courts to decide whether the Council is liable for the damage.