Devon County Council (25 006 357)

Statement Not upheld Drainage 23-Feb-2026

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to repair a blocked drain over a prolonged period. We have found the Council acted in accordance with its published policy on drain maintenance. We have not therefore found the Council acted with fault.

London Borough of Merton (25 013 125)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 21-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to take action over a blocked drain. This complaint was received outside the normal 12-month period for investigating complaints. There is no evidence to suggest that Mr X could not have complained to us sooner.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (25 013 471)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 18-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council responded to Mrs X’s concerns about a faulty drainage system. There is not enough evidence of fault to warrant our involvement and there is no worthwhile outcome achievable.

Bristol City Council (25 013 721)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 17-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s response to Mr X’s concerns about a culvert. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to warrant an investigation.

East Sussex County Council (25 022 079)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 11-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint the Council failed to properly manage flood risk to her home from nearby lakes. This is because further investigation is unlikely to find fault in the Councils actions. Mrs X’s main claims around of liability for damages and financial loss are matters for the courts.

Suffolk County Council (25 012 578)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 06-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to enforce drainage improvements on a neighbour’s property. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation. Mrs X could seek a civil remedy in the courts if she believes the drainage poses a risk to her property.

North Kesteven District Council (25 012 543)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 04-Feb-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council causing damage to his property. This is because there is another body better placed to consider his complaint and so we cannot achieve the outcome he wants.

Kent County Council (25 008 197)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 20-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to fix a blocked water pipe. This is because the complaint is late and there are no good reasons to exercise discretion to investigate it now.

Wiltshire Council (25 010 394)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 15-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of the Property Flood Resilience Grant process, or its decision not to complete maintenance work on a culvert. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify the Ombudsman’s involvement.

Middlesbrough Borough Council (24 020 692)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Drainage 14-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s response to damage, caused by flooding, to Mrs X’s property. Mrs X has an alternative legal remedy through the courts who can decide liability. And given the circumstances of her complaint, it would be reasonable to expect her to use this legal remedy.