West Sussex County Council (21 017 690)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 31-Mar-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the distance the complainant had to travel to receive his COVID-19 booster vaccination. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. There is not enough evidence of significant personal injustice to the complainant.

Birmingham City Council (21 015 900)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 23-Feb-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council failing to investigate businesses which allegedly breached COVID-19 restrictions. The Council’s alleged fault has not disadvantaged the complainant directly and significantly enough to warrant investigation. The Council has apologised for the delay in responding to the complaint and we consider this is a suitable remedy.

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (21 002 626)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 17-Feb-2022

Summary: Mr B complained the Council refused to issue a refund after it cancelled the registrar service it was due to provide for his wedding. At this stage, the Ombudsman considers there was fault causing injustice because the Council failed to properly consider Mr B’s refund request. The Council should re-consider its decision.

Worthing Borough Council (21 002 378)

Statement Not upheld Covid-19 11-Feb-2022

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s decision to refuse to issue refunds to beach chalet users for the period between January and April 2021. The Ombudsman did not find fault with the Council’s decision-making.

Norfolk County Council (21 014 196)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 26-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s alleged failure to ensure staff and customers wear face masks when visiting one of its libraries. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.

Rutland County Council (21 011 143)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 07-Dec-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about councillors not wearing masks during a public meeting and the Council’s investigation. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. The complainant has not been caused any significant personal injustice.

Birmingham City Council (20 011 841)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 12-Nov-2021

Summary: Mr X complained the Council did not provide him with information about how it calculated the service charge for his business premises. The Council accepted fault for its failure to communicate with Mr X. It has now provided the requested information. The Council agreed to provide Mr X a remedy for the impact of its failings.

Dorset Council (21 001 171)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 10-Nov-2021

Summary: Mr X complained about the actions of councillors which he felt breached the Council’s code of conduct. The Council was at fault when it delayed in considering Mr X’s complaint. It was also at fault when it failed to follow its procedures for handling complaints against councillors. This fault caused Mr X an injustice. The Council has agreed actions which will enable it assess his complaint again and to decide whether or not to investigate. These are suitable actions to remedy the injustice Mr X was caused.

Wakefield City Council (21 008 933)

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

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s response to his concerns regarding the Coroner’s Office. Mr X also raised concerns about visits to his home by council officers during the COVID-19 pandemic and data protection issues. 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. The Information Commissioner’s Office is best placed to consider complaints about data protection issues.

Staffordshire County Council (21 008 428)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 21-Oct-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s actions on his wedding day. This is because the Council has provided a suitable remedy for the complaint.