Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about a poorly installed dropped kerb outside his property. The issues complained about date back to 2011. Mr X was aware of the matters more than 12 months before bringing the complaint to the Ombudsman. The complaint is late, and there are no good reasons for us to investigate the matter now.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about a dropped kerb installed outside his home more than 15 years ago. Mr X said the installation is not properly aligned and makes accessing his driveway difficult. Mr X purchased his home in 2021.
2. Mr X said the matter caused him frustration.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
4. We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

5. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
6. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

7. We will not investigate this complaint. The original installation of the dropped kerb was sometime around 2011. Mr X purchased his property in 2021. Mr X brought his complaint to the Ombudsman in May 2026. The issues complained about occurred more than 12 months before this date.
8. The law says we cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. I have seen no good reasons Mr X could not have complained about these matters sooner. Consequently, we will not investigate.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is late.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman