North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council (21 005 306)

Statement Upheld Pollution 08-Mar-2022

Summary: Mr B complained that the Council failed to take action in relation to his neighbour’s wood burner which was emitting smoke and fumes at first-floor level affecting his enjoyment of his property and garden. The Ombudsman found the Council properly investigated Mr B’s concerns. It failed to keep Mr B properly informed but this did not cause him a significant injustice.

Swale Borough Council (21 006 993)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 08-Mar-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of reports of dogs barking.

Dorset Council (21 016 116)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Licensing 08-Mar-2022

Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council made changes to his business licence causing loss of income. Mr X has appealed to the Magistrates Court. Mr X also has legal remedies, it is reasonable for him to use, if he wishes to challenge a noise abatement notice or claim damages for defamation.

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (21 009 471)

Statement Not upheld Trading standards 07-Mar-2022

Summary: There was no fault by the Council in how it decided to allow a trader to remain on its approved traders scheme.

London Borough of Hillingdon (21 015 748)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 07-Mar-2022

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs Y’s complaint about the Council’s decision not to cut back trees it owns which overhang her garden. There is not enough evidence of fault in the Council’s decision‑making process to go behind its decision and investigate. A Council-owned tree trunk breaking Mrs Y’s fence is a property damage claim, and a matter for the Council’s insurers and the courts.

Ashfield District Council (21 016 243)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 07-Mar-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a fine imposed on Ms X for littering. This is because there is no evidence to suggest fault by the Council.

Worthing Borough Council (20 006 249)

Statement Upheld Antisocial behaviour 07-Mar-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s response to anti-social behaviour. This is because we are satisfied with the action the Council intends to take. It has agreed to carry out further investigation and consider how the issues impact Mr X.

Wiltshire Council (20 010 677)

Statement Upheld Antisocial behaviour 07-Mar-2022

Summary: The Ombudsman found fault by the Council on Mr Y’s complaint about its failure to investigate his reports of his neighbours’ antisocial behaviour. It failed to show evidence of its antisocial behaviour officer’s involvement, whether it considered if any of their behaviour might be actionable, and whether it considered any risk to him. It also failed to offer early mediation or show evidence of contacting other bodies such as the police for information. The agreed action remedies the injustice caused.

Vale of White Horse District Council (21 016 907)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Licensing 07-Mar-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a change in the Council’s Taxi Policy affecting a licence renewal because there is no evidence of fault by the Council.

London Borough of Southwark (21 015 889)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 04-Mar-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to properly consult with residents when making a Tree Preservation Order in 2016. This is because the events happened too long ago, and I see no good reason to exercise discretion and investigate them now.