Summary: Miss X complained the Council failed to act on repeated reports of anti-social behaviour. We have found no evidence of fault in the Council’s actions.

The complaint

1. Miss X complained the Council failed to act on reports of anti-social behaviour by her neighbour, D. Miss X also complained the Council failed to safeguard D, who is a vulnerable adult. Miss X told us she lives in a constant state of fear, anxiety and hypervigilance. Miss X says the trauma of being assaulted, combined with the ongoing and repeated anti-social behaviour has had a significant impact mentally and physically, as well as having a significant impact on her home and work life. Miss X would like the Council to acknowledge the failings, apologise, commit to further action and provide a symbolic payment in recognition of the impact of the anti-social behaviour. Miss X would also like the Council to complete a full investigation into how the situation was handled and take immediate steps to stop the ongoing anti-social behaviour.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate a complaint if it is about action taken by or on behalf of any local policing body in connection with the investigation or prevention of crime. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5, Section 26, paragraph 2 as amended)
3. We investigate complaints about councils and certain other bodies. We cannot investigate the actions of bodies such as the NHS. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 25 and 34(1), as amended)
4. We may investigate complaints made on behalf of someone else if they have given their consent. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26A(1), as amended)
5. If we are satisfied with an organisation’s actions or proposed actions, we can complete our investigation and issue a decision statement. (Local Government Act 1974, section 30(1B) and 34H(1), as amended)

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What I have and have not investigated

6. I have not investigated the part of Miss X’s complaint which relates to the Council’s action in safeguarding D. This is because D has not provided consent for Miss X to complain on their behalf.
7. I have investigated the Council’s consideration of its anti-social behaviour powers between June 2024 and November 2025.

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How I considered this complaint

8. I considered evidence provided by Miss X and the Council as well as relevant law, policy and guidance.
9. Miss X and the Council had an opportunity to comment on my draft decision. I considered any comments before making a final decision.

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What I found

Legal and administrative background

10. Councils have a general duty to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB). But ASB can take many different forms; and when someone reports a problem, councils should decide which of their powers is most suitable.

What happened

11. Miss X first complained to the Council about her neighbour, D’s, anti-social behaviour in June 2024.
12. Due to the circumstances surrounding D’s behaviour, the Council took part in a multi-agency professionals meeting in July 2024. The professionals agreed on a course of action which required the multiple agencies to complete various actions.
13. In December 2024 Miss X was assaulted by D. The Council considered the use of its anti-social behaviour powers in January 2025 following this assault. The Council’s anti-social behaviour team contacted D’s landlord about their behaviour and made enquiries with other agencies. The anti-social behaviour team were aware of the ongoing multi-agency work to resolve the issues and it did not become the lead agency to deal with the anti-social behaviour.
14. Although the desired resolution was not reached until May 2025, the Council completed the actions it was required to complete in a timely manner. The Council also took active steps to reach an earlier resolution when it was clear the professionals preferred outcome may not be achievable.
15. There is no evidence of fault in the Council’s involvement or the actions it took in response to Miss X’s complaints.
16. The Council remained in contact with Miss X at regular intervals but was not always able to share detailed updates due to data protections laws. There is no evidence of fault in the Council’s communication with Miss X.

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Decision

17. I find no fault.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman