London Borough of Waltham Forest (24 016 596)

Statement Upheld Building control 14-Oct-2025

Summary: Mr B complained that the Council had failed to take action to enforce a section 215 notice regarding the external condition of the property he lives in. We found the Council delayed in reaching a decision not to take enforcement action. This caused Mr B uncertainty and distress. The Council has agreed to apologise to him and make a symbolic payment of £150.

London Borough of Brent (25 006 148)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Building control 14-Oct-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council failed to correctly inspect Ms X’s neighbour’s electrical wiring. We have not seen enough evidence of fault in the Council’s actions to justify an investigation.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (25 006 678)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Building control 30-Sep-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about how the Council carried out building control inspections. This is because we do not start an investigation where there is not enough evidence of fault or when an investigation is unlikely to lead to a different outcome.

London Borough of Brent (25 005 033)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Building control 10-Sep-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the conduct of a Council officer during a telephone call with the complainant. We consider there is no worthwhile outcome achievable by our investigation.

Sheffield City Council (24 022 111)

Statement Upheld Building control 04-Sep-2025

Summary: Mrs X complained the Council delayed issuing building control approval. There was delay as it took over seven months for the application to be approved. This delayed Mrs X’s building work and caused frustration. The Council will make a payment to recognise the distress caused.

Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council (24 019 985)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Building control 25-Aug-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with a building control matter. This is because it is unlikely we could achieve a worthwhile outcome for the complainant.

East Cambridgeshire District Council (24 012 397)

Statement Not upheld Building control 21-Aug-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to take enforcement action against a developer after installing defective drainage at his home, and failed to pursue the developer for making false representations. He also said the Council signed off the drainage without completing proper checks. We found no fault in the Council’s decision-making processes.

London Borough of Barnet (25 002 650)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Building control 19-Aug-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the wording of the Council’s report following an inspection of the complainant’s property. We consider that further investigation will not lead to a different outcome.

North Northamptonshire Council (24 019 628)

Statement Not upheld Building control 17-Aug-2025

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s inadequate building control relating to his property. He said this impacted him financially and impacted his mental health. We have discontinued the investigation. This is a late complaint and there is no good reason to exercise discretion to consider this matter now. The Information Commissioner’s Office is better placed to consider concerns about not providing information.

Torbay Council (24 015 474)

Statement Upheld Building control 10-Aug-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council has not taken planning enforcement action to control a development near his home that does not have planning permission. He said the Council delayed its investigation until four years elapsed since the build, then said the work was immune from enforcement. Mr X said his home is overlooked because of the Council inaction and this impacted his mental health. There was fault because the Council lost control of unlawful development at this site, delayed considering Mr X’s concerns and its communication was poor. This frustrated and distressed Mr X. The Council has agreed to apologise, make a financial payment, complete a review of its enforcement service and share this decision with the relevant scrutiny committee.