London Borough of Southwark (19 010 464)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Commercial and contracts 26-Nov-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint that the Council disposed of the complainant’s belongings in 2015. This is because it is a late complaint.

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (20 001 099)

Statement Upheld Commercial and contracts 26-Nov-2020

Summary: Ms B complains abut delay by the Council in completing repairs to garages she rents from it. The Ombudsman finds there was fault by the Council in this matter. In addition, there was fault in the Council’s communications with her abut the repairs and in its handling of her complaint. These faults led to injustice for Ms B for which a remedy has been agreed.

Bassetlaw District Council (20 006 088)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Commercial and contracts 25-Nov-2020

Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint that the Council issued incorrect invoices to his company for two and a half years and failed to correct them or to address other issues associated with the centre where his business was based. This is because we could not achieve the main outcome Mr B is seeking.

Leicester City Council (20 004 587)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Commercial and contracts 21-Oct-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Miss X’s complaint that the Council is charging her too much rent on her business property. Miss X entered into a legal agreement with the Council and it was incumbent on Miss X to ensure she was satisfied with the terms of the lease before she signed it. The Ombudsman cannot therefore say that the injustice Miss X claims arises from Council fault. Additionally, the Ombudsman cannot achieve the outcome Miss X seeks, which is for a refund of some of the rent she has paid.

Birmingham City Council (20 003 853)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Commercial and contracts 01-Oct-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council has refused to pay him more than £25,000 he says is owed under a contract. This is because it would be reasonable for him to take the matter to court.

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council (19 011 304)

Statement Upheld Commercial and contracts 30-Sep-2020

Summary: Mr B, the Chief Executive of a not-for-profit company providing care services, complains the Council made prolonged and unjustified attempts to tarnish his reputation and do him personal harm after it received allegations from members of the company’s staff. The Ombudsman finds no evidence to link Mr B’s claims of significant personal harm to the actions of the Council in this matter. There was some however fault in the way the Council described Mr B’s character in an email, and in its handling of his complaint. That caused injustice for which a remedy has been agreed.

Tendring District Council (20 002 662)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Commercial and contracts 25-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about how the Council transferred a license from her late relative to the executor of their estate. This is because we would be unlikely to find fault and the Council has not caused the injustice to Ms X.

London Borough of Camden (20 002 723)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Commercial and contracts 21-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s request for the complainant to empty two sheds. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Dover District Council (20 003 092)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Commercial and contracts 10-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about poorly maintained garages causing damage to his car. This is because it would be more appropriate for the complainant to use the legal remedy available to him.

City of Wolverhampton Council (20 001 097)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Commercial and contracts 02-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council failed to reply to his complaint against its officer regarding a contractual matter. The underlying issues are outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction because they concern a contractual and employment relationship. The Ombudsman will not investigate complaint handling in such circumstances and there is no injustice.