Runnymede Borough Council (20 003 773)

Statement Upheld Antisocial behaviour 01-Mar-2021

Summary: The Council failed to issue a decision notice to Mr B about his High Hedge complaint and tell him of his right to appeal its decision. This was not in accordance with the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003. Mr B was unhappy with the outcome and lost his right to appeal the Council’s decision. Mr B had the time and trouble pursuing a complaint, which could have been avoided. The Council will refund the High Hedge fee, pay Mr B £100, and provide relevant officers with training and/or guidance to prevent future mistakes.

Isle of Wight Council (20 005 003)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 01-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s refusal to accept responsibility for highway run-off onto private property which has caused flooding at times. We should not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint. This is because it concerns a claim about negligence causing damage to private property. It is reasonable for Mr X to seek a remedy in the courts which are the proper body for deciding legal liability.

Halton Borough Council (20 011 012)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 01-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs B’s complaint that the Council is at fault in refusing to remove or reduce in height trees adjacent to her property. This is because it is unlikely we would find fault on the Council’s part.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (20 008 822)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 01-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X is unhappy with how the Council handled his complaint after he raised concerns about events which took place during COVID-19. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. This is because there is not enough evidence Mr X has been caused significant personal injustice. Also, we will not investigate a council’s complaint handling as a standalone issue.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (20 010 769)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 01-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s refusal to either pollard or remove a tree which is close to his property boundary and which he says is causing nuisance and damage. We should not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint. This is because it is reasonable for Mr X to submit a claim to the Council and take the matter to the courts if no liability is accepted.

Middlesbrough Borough Council (20 010 574)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Refuse and recycling 01-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a missed recycling collection because there is insufficient evidence of injustice.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council (20 003 335)

Statement Not upheld Licensing 26-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr F complains about the Council’s refusal of his application for a licence to use his electric boat on a canal owned by the Council. He complains about its inconsistent approach, as it has granted a licence for one electric boat. There was no fault by the Council. It has valid reasons why it wants to restrict use of the canal to non-motorised boats. And it has given reasons why its view is it can make an exception for a Council owned boat.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (20 006 067)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 26-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with concerns about a tree. This is because we are unlikely to find fault. It is also unlikely an investigation could add to the Council’s response and property damage claims are a matter for the courts.

London Borough of Hounslow (19 020 461)

Statement Upheld Noise 26-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to follow up on his reports of noise nuisance since August 2019. Mr X also complained the Council failed to keep him updated about his noise nuisance reports and complaint. The Ombudsman finds fault with the actions of the Council. The Council has agreed to update its policy, provide training to staff and issues a bulletin about the interim measures it is taking during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Council also agreed to provide Mr X with an apology and payment of £300 to reflect the frustration, distress and delays experienced.

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (20 010 682)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 26-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr C’s complaint about damage to his car caused by a waste collection vehicle. This is because the matter of liability can only be determined by insurers or the courts.