Environment Agency (20 007 594)

Statement Not upheld Drainage 27-May-2021

Summary: There is no fault in the administrative process the Environment Agency has followed to develop the flood alleviation scheme. We have not investigated the technical merits of the scheme. We have completed our investigation.

Essex County Council (20 007 292)

Statement Not upheld Drainage 30-Apr-2021

Summary: Mrs Y complained the Council failed to properly investigate her reports of a defective drain, which she says caused flooding and damage to her rear garden. We have discontinued the investigation into Mrs Y's complaint because the Council is not at fault. This is because Mrs Y has recently discovered that a leak from her neighbour's property was responsible for the excess water found in her garden.

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.

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.

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.

Cheshire West & Chester Council (20 004 658)

Statement Not upheld Drainage 25-Mar-2021

Summary: There is no fault in how the Council reached its decision Mr B is illegally connected to a highway drain. To settle this dispute Mr B needs a legal determination. Mr B finds it stressful when the Council refers to taking legal action. However, it has not yet done so, and so Mr B is not significantly disadvantaged. There is no fault in how the Council has reached its decision this drain is not a priority for works. The Council regularly maintains the drain and takes action if necessary when it receives reports of problems.

Blackpool Borough Council (20 001 746)

Statement Not upheld Drainage 15-Jan-2021

Summary: Mr and Mrs X complain the Council refuses to take action against a developer who built a housing development close to their property and filled in and built over a watercourse without permission. There was no fault in the Council's actions.

Kyle and Upper Ouse Internal Drainage Board (19 012 795)

Statement Upheld Drainage 18-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr X complained the Internal Drainage Board failed to investigate and take action in relation to an unconsented culvert on a neighbour's land which has caused flooding and damage to his land and property. It also failed to respond to his complaint. The Internal Drainage Board was at fault. It failed to explain why it would not take action and delayed responding to the complaint. It has agreed to apologise to Mr X and pay him £250. It has also agreed to inspect the watercourse and explain to Mr X its decision on whether or not to take action.

Northumberland County Council (19 015 012)

Statement Not upheld Drainage 13-Nov-2020

Summary: Mrs X complained about the Council's investigation into her neighbour's defective drainage system. The Ombudsman found no evidence of fault.

Essex County Council (19 020 584)

Statement Upheld Drainage 11-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr C complained the Council unnecessarily removed his hedge to complete drainage works. He also complained about the Council's complaints handling. The Ombudsman finds the Council was not at fault for removing Mr C's hedge. The Council was at fault for how it responded to Mr C's complaint, but this did not cause him a significant injustice.