Durham County Council (20 006 918)

Statement Upheld Drainage 23-Apr-2021

Summary: While carrying out an investigation into Ms B’s drainage, the Council failed to keep her informed of its visits and actions. The Council left a dye bag at Ms B’s property which her dog brought into her house and damaged her carpet, the Council also damaged a gully grate. The Council failed to provide information Ms B asked for, which was a reasonable request, without the need for a formal Freedom of Information request. The Council failed to keep adequate records. The Council’s faults caused Ms B worry, and she had the time and trouble of pursuing an insurance claim, Freedom of Information request, and complaint. The Council will apologise, pay Ms B £250, and remind officers of the importance of keeping clear records, and sharing relevant information with its customers.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (20 013 208)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 22-Apr-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s decision not to do further work to a drainage ditch to the rear of his property. Mr X’s complaint is a claim of negligence by the Council in not maintaining the ditch, which he considers has caused flood damage to his house and garden. Negligence is a legal matter which can only be resolved by a court. We cannot make determinations on legal issues. The court is the body better placed to consider this legal matter.

Environment Agency (20 005 685)

Statement Not upheld Drainage 14-Apr-2021

Summary: Mrs X complains about the way the Environment Agency has dealt with issues regarding a site used by its contractors. She complains about noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour, and planning enforcement. We have discontinued our investigation as we have no jurisdiction to investigate the complaint against the Environment Agency.

Bury Metropolitan Borough Council (20 012 297)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 14-Apr-2021

Summary: Mr X complained the Council would not complete an investigation into the cause of flooding at his property. Mr X stated the flooding caused him financial loss and significant stress. We will not investigate this complaint because it is late and there are no good reasons to exercise discretion to accept it now.

Wakefield City Council (20 007 293)

Statement Upheld Drainage 09-Apr-2021

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to carry out work to Council owned drainage pipes from the highway which resulted in flooding to his property. The Council was at fault when it took too long to begin the work.

Middle Level Commissioners (20 005 018)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 31-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Commissioners are failing to prosecute when there is a breach of byelaws intended to protect ‘the banks’ of drainage channels. There is no injustice to Mr X and we cannot achieve what he wants.