Scarborough Borough Council (20 011 085)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 10-Sep-2021

Summary: Mrs B complained the Council charged the full year’s fee for her holiday let waste collection service despite no service being provided at three times during the year. The Ombudsman found the Council failed to give clear information about which waste collection services were suspended. It agreed to offer Mrs B a remedy.

Havant Borough Council (21 005 279)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 09-Sep-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council will not agree to renew his taxi vehicle licence. This is because there is no evidence of fault by the Council and Mr X has a right of appeal to the magistrates’ court which it would be reasonable for him to use.

Worthing Borough Council (21 003 064)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 06-Sep-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council was wrong to issue him a taxi driver’s licence for five years. This is because the matter does not cause him significant injustice. We will not investigate any complaint about the Council’s suspension of Mr X’s licence as it would have been reasonable for him to appeal.

Chelmsford City Council (21 004 600)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 17-Aug-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council decision to end temporary changes to its taxi licensing policy. We are unlikely to find fault in the Council’s actions.

West Suffolk Council (21 004 646)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 13-Aug-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a fixed penalty notice issued by the Council for an alleged breach of COVID-19 restrictions. This is because the matter concerns an alleged criminal offence which the courts are better placed to consider.

Wakefield City Council (21 000 769)

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

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council’s decision to not grant him entry to a Household Waste Recycling Centre. He is also unhappy a member of staff was not wearing a mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council or injustice to Mr X.

Bedford Borough Council (20 006 898)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 02-Jul-2021

Summary: Mr X complained the Council delayed removing harmful waste from his neighbour’s garden. He said this affected his health and well-being and spoilt the enjoyment of his home. The Ombudsman found fault causing injustice when the Council allowed matters to drift and failed to consider alternate enforcement measures sooner.

City of Wolverhampton Council (20 012 697)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 25-May-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about a fixed penalty notice he received from the Council for opening his shop during a lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is for the courts to decide if an offence has taken place.

London Borough of Haringey (20 005 321)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 06-Apr-2021

Summary: The Council was entitled to decide dogs should be kept on leads in all areas, as part of its social distancing measures during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the Council’s explanations of its dog control powers were confusing and contradictory, which is fault. This did not cause a substantive injustice to the complainant, but the Council has agreed to ensure officers properly understand the orders on which its powers are based.

South Northamptonshire District Council (20 012 401)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 06-Apr-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about a fixed penalty notice issued by the Council for an alleged breach of COVID-19 restrictions. This is because the notice concerns an alleged criminal offence which the courts are better placed to consider.