London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority (20 005 542)
Category : Other Categories > Other
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 16 Nov 2020
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about how the Authority has dealt with the complainant’s concerns about fire safety. He is unlikely to find evidence of fault by the Authority.
The complaint
- The complainant, who I refer to here as Ms B, has complained the Authority has not properly dealt with her concerns about fire safety at her home.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these.
- We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if, for example, we believe it is unlikely we would find fault. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
- I have considered what Ms B said in her complaint and information provided by the Authority.
What I found
Background
- The Authority is responsible for enforcing fire safety in the common and shared areas of Houses in Multiple Occupation under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (the Order).
- It has the power to inspect premises to check compliance with the Order. It can issues notices requiring the person responsible to take action if it is not satisfied they are complying with the Order.
Analysis
- Ms B raised concerns with the Authority about fire safety at her home which is within a House in Multiple Occupation.
- The Authority has provided information which shows it inspected the property and served notices on those responsible requiring them to carry out certain works. The Authority says these works have been completed to its satisfaction.
- Ms B continues to believe the works carried out are inadequate.
Final decision
- I have decided we will not investigate this complaint. This is because if is for the Authority to assess compliance with the Order and we are unlikely to find fault in how it has done so.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman