Scarborough Borough Council (19 019 720)

Statement Not upheld Pollution 05-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr Y complains about the way the Council responded to his reports of asbestos in a local holiday cottage. In our view, and based on the information available, we find the Council acted quickly and in line with its enforcement policy and Health and Safety Executive guidance to assess the reported risk. It reached a conclusion which Mr Y disagreed with, but the Ombudsman has no grounds to challenge the merits of that decision.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (20 009 270)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 05-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s issue of a prohibition notice for an alleged breach of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020. This is because it is unlikely we would find fault by the Council and we cannot achieve the outcome Mr X wants.

Bristol City Council (20 009 431)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Licensing 05-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s failure to refund an overpayment which he made for a taxi licence. We should not investigate this complaint. This is because there is insufficient evidence of injustice which would warrant an investigation.

Cherwell District Council (20 009 585)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Pollution 05-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Ms B’s complaint that the Council dealt in the wrong way with her complaint about daily strong cooking smells. This is because it is unlikely we would find fault by the Council.

Bracknell Forest Council (20 009 735)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Antisocial behaviour 05-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council’s response to his complaints of noise nuisance from a neighbouring property. We 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.

Nottingham City Council (20 000 828)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 04-Feb-2021

Summary: Mrs X complained about the Council’s refusal to remove a tree which is close to her property boundary and causing root damage. We should not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint. This is because it concerns a claim about damage to property which can only be determined by insurers or the courts.

London Borough of Harrow (20 005 862)

Statement Upheld Trees 03-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr B experienced no significant injustice from the Council taking three months to cut overgrown trees near his home. However, the Council failed to answer much of his correspondence, and failed to answer his complaint in line with its corporate procedure. It has agreed to apologise, and to arrange staff training.

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (19 020 180)

Statement Not upheld Antisocial behaviour 03-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr D complains the Council did not properly investigate Hate Crimes against him. The Ombudsman has not found any evidence of fault by the Council. He has completed the investigation and not upheld the complaint.

Northampton Borough Council (20 009 120)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 03-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about how the Council has treated his businesses during COVID-19. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.

Bedford Borough Council (20 009 329)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Cemeteries and crematoria 03-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about changes the Council has made to the maintenance of a cemetery. This is because the complaint is late and because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.