Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about financial loss incurred by the complainant after his car was damaged by a tree on Council land. This is because it is reasonable for the complainant to take his claim to court.

The complaint

1. In summary, Mr X says the Council has been negligent in not maintaining trees which caused damage to his car during Storm Eunice. He would like the Council to reimburse him £250 incurred, as insurance excess, when he claimed for repairs.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The law says we cannot normally investigate a complaint when someone could take the matter to court. However, we may decide to investigate if we consider it would be unreasonable to expect the person to go to court. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(c), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. I will not investigate because the matter of liability for financial loss is usually decided in the courts.
5. It is reasonable for Mr X to take the matter to court. The court can decide liability and if Mr X is entitled to claim the costs incurred. There is a simple procedure in the county court for dealing with small claims. Usually, solicitors are not required so the only costs will be the court fees.

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Final decision

6. I will not investigate as it is reasonable to expect Mr X to go to court to decide the Council’s liability for his financial loss.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman