Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council granting permission to remove a tree and hedge outside the complainant’s home. This is because the Council confirms it has replanted the hedge and we consider further investigation will not lead to a different outcome.

The complaint

1. Ms X complaint the Council disregarded its own policy and procedures when it granted permission to cut down a healthy, mature tree close to her home.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse effect on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we decide the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Ms X and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

5. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint. The Council has confirmed the hedge has been replanted. Therefore we consider further investigation will not lead to a different outcome.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman