East Sussex County Council (24 013 713)

Statement Upheld Highway repair and maintenance 27-Jan-2026

Summary: The Council was at fault for the way it handled Mr X’s complaint about vegetation growing in the footpath outside his house. This caused Mr X frustration and delayed its removal. The Council has agreed to arrange for the vegetation to be removed.

Gloucestershire County Council (25 025 391)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 27-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint that his car was damaged by a large pothole. This is because it is reasonable for Mr B to pursue his compensation claim by taking the Council to court.

Devon County Council (25 012 532)

Statement Upheld Highway repair and maintenance 26-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s advice to Mr X about a highway maintenance matter. This is because the Council has agreed to apologise to Mr X, reimburse his costs and pay him £100 for his avoidable trouble and inconvenience. These actions provide a suitable remedy for the complaint and it is unlikely investigation would achieve significantly more for Mr X.

Trafford Council (25 012 787)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 26-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the maintenance of drains on the highway. This is because it is reasonable to expect Mr Y to approach the court about the matter, who is better placed to consider the complaint.

Suffolk County Council (25 021 388)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 26-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about highway maintenance and repair because the courts are better placed to consider the complaint and it is reasonable to expect Mr Y to approach the courts.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (25 022 658)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 26-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint about the Council’s handling of highway works. This is because Mr B has not suffered a significant injustice and we cannot achieve the outcome he seeks.

Royal Borough of Greenwich (25 024 077)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 26-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the quality of highway maintenance repairs because it is reasonable to expect Mr X to take the matter to court.

Bracknell Forest Council (25 012 991)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 23-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about Council actions causing flooding. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify an investigation by the Ombudsman.

London Borough of Barnet (25 014 023)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 22-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about highway maintenance charges because the court is better placed to consider the complaint, and it is reasonable to expect Mrs Y to use her right to go to court about the matter.

Cheshire West & Chester Council (25 016 724)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 21-Jan-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that his car was damaged by a pothole. This is because it is reasonable for Mr X to pursue the matter through the courts.