London Borough of Southwark (20 009 610)

Statement Upheld Licensing 14-Sep-2021

Summary: Mr C complained about the way the Council responded to his reports of noise, disturbance and breaches of planning control. Mr C says he suffered excessive noise and disturbance and spent unnecessary time and trouble in trying to resolve the matter. We have found delay by the Council but consider the agreed actions of an apology, £300, review of an outstanding enforcement issue and procedural review are enough to provide a suitable remedy.

North Kesteven District Council (21 001 838)

Statement Not upheld Licensing 14-Sep-2021

Summary: The Council has set its fees for caravan site licences without fault. Mr X complains about the level of increase but the Council calculated the level of increase so the licensing process was not subsidised by Council Tax payers. The Council has said it will consider giving more notice of increases in future.

Brighton & Hove City Council (21 005 707)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Licensing 08-Sep-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of matters relating to Mr X’s licence application. This is because there is no evidence to suggest fault by the Council.

South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council (21 005 513)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Licensing 06-Sep-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the way the Council has dealt with a house of multiple occupation next to Mr X’s property. This is because there is no evidence of fault in the way the Council has dealt with planning issues at the property. Mr X has also not been caused an injustice as a result of any issues arising from the background of the license holder.

Eastbourne Borough Council (20 013 408)

Statement Upheld Licensing 01-Sep-2021

Summary: Mr V complained the Council did not handle the investigation into an allegation about his conduct as a fit and proper person properly. The Council said it had followed its usual procedure and judged Mr V to be a fit and proper person to hold a licence. The Council acted without fault in its investigation. We found fault in the Council’s complaint process, but this did not cause a significant injustice. The Council has agreed a remedy to prevent this type of fault happening again.

South Cambridgeshire District Council (21 005 018)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Licensing 31-Aug-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council refuses to act against a business which the complainant says is breaching the conditions on a pavement licence. We have not seen evidence of fault in the way the Council responded to the complaints.

Colchester City Council (20 011 423)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Licensing 20-Aug-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the revocation of a hackney carriage license. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify our investigation and Mr Y has a right of appeal to the magistrates court.

Nottingham City Council (20 005 913)

Statement Not upheld Licensing 20-Aug-2021

Summary: Mr N is a landlord who complains about the Council’s introduction of a Selective Licensing Scheme. The Ombudsman finds not fault and cannot question the merits of the Council’s decision making.

Erewash Borough Council (21 004 559)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Licensing 13-Aug-2021

Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of a taxi licensing matter. This is because Mr X has asked the court to consider the issue.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council (20 000 437)

Statement Upheld Licensing 02-Aug-2021

Summary: We upheld Mr X’s complaint about the way the Council reviewed its decision to place a written warning on his licensing record. The Council failed to keep a record of discussions or give reasons for its decisions. This caused uncertainty and frustration for Mr X, and the Council agreed to take action to remedy this.