London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (20 004 694)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 30-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council allegedly sending gangs to assault Mr Y’s son. This is because the police are better placed than the Ombudsman to investigate an alleged crime.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council (20 003 969)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 30-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the condition of some public toilets. This is because the Council has provided a satisfactory response and it is unlikely an investigation would lead to a different outcome.

Spelthorne Borough Council (19 016 359)

Statement Upheld Other 28-Sep-2020

Summary: Mrs X says the Council is at fault in how it handled her request to lease a building it owned. The Ombudsman has found fault by the Council in this matter which resulted in Mrs X’s expectations being raised and put her to avoidable expense, time and trouble in pursuing a lease. In recognition of the injustice caused to her he recommended the Council apologises and pays her £750. The Council agreed.

Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (20 002 914)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 25-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Miss X’s complaint that the Council published her name and partial address publicly without her permission. This is because there is another body better placed to consider the complaint. Miss X could also go to court, and it would be reasonable for her to do this.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (20 003 582)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 25-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about an injury she suffered from a fall on the public highway. This is because it is reasonable for her to seek compensation through the courts.

Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service (20 000 267)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 22-Sep-2020

Summary: Mr X complains about unprofessional behaviour by a Fire Control Officer from the Service. The Ombudsman will not investigate the complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Service or injustice caused to Mr X to warrant an investigation.

Tamworth Borough Council (20 001 572)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 22-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Ms X’s complaint that the Council has refused to pay the full cost of replacing her coat damaged by a footpath post. The complaint is outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction because Ms X has an alternative remedy at court.

City of Doncaster Council (20 003 910)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 21-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr G’s complaint about the Council’s alleged data protection breach. This is because it is reasonable to expect Mr G to pursue the matter with the Information Commissioner.

Wokingham Borough Council (20 002 829)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 17-Sep-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council has failed to supply information he has requested, as this matter is best dealt with by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council (20 000 321)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 17-Sep-2020

Summary: Miss X complained about the decisions of the Coroner and his assistant and a pathologist who carried out a post-mortem and inquest into the death of her sister in 2016. The Ombudsman cannot investigate this complaint. This is because we have no jurisdiction to investigate the decisions of Coroners who are judicial office holders and not employees of the Council. Miss X could seek a remedy by way of judicial review or the Attorney General.