Epping Forest District Council (24 019 700)

Statement Upheld Other 27-Jan-2026

Summary: Mrs X complained about the Council’s actions related to high hedges and trees in gardens close to hers. We found fault because the Council did not issue documentation about the required height of the trees creating the hedge when it should have done which meant Mrs X was not given appeal rights linked to this change. We also found fault because the Council did not properly respond to Mrs X’s complaints. These faults caused Mrs X avoidable distress, frustration and uncertainty. To remedy the injustice caused, the Council has agreed to apologise, make a payment to her, issue relevant documentation and issue guidance to officers.

Darlington Borough Council (25 012 316)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 27-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council not allowing Mr X a fair hearing about his rescue dogs. The law prevents us from investigating matters that have been considered in court.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (25 008 704)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 22-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s response to reports of fly tipping. This is because the Council has now taken action and further investigation by us is unlikely to achieve a different or more meaningful outcome.

Gloucestershire County Council (25 013 266)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 22-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about damages the Council caused to a hedge. This is because it is reasonable for Mr and Mrs X to pursue their compensation claim by taking the Council to court.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (25 024 209)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 22-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mr C’s complaint about delay by the Council cutting back a hedge. This is because an investigation would not add to the Council’s own investigation.

Cheshire West & Chester Council (25 011 766)

Statement Upheld Other 14-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of a high hedge complaint as the Council has now served a high hedge notice, which is what the complainant wanted.

London Borough of Hillingdon (25 008 799)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 07-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint the Council failed to follow statutory processes in its interactions with Mr X. There is not enough evidence of fault to justify our involvement.

Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council (25 011 074)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 05-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the Council not having its own pest control service so not dealing with rats at her property. There is not enough evidence of fault by the Council to warrant us investigating. We also cannot achieve the outcome Mrs X wants.

North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council (25 013 409)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 19-Dec-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a vehicle the Council removed as an abandoned vehicle. This is because further investigation is unlikely to find evidence of fault.

Birmingham City Council (25 010 421)

Statement Upheld Other 18-Dec-2025

Summary: We have upheld Miss X’s complaint about poor communication. The Council has apologised, made service improvements and will refund an inspection fee.