North Norfolk District Council (21 014 358)

Statement Upheld Building control 14-Aug-2022

Summary: Ms X complained the Council failed to take suitable enforcement action over a building control issue affecting the integrity of the building next to hers. Ms X complained the Council’s actions caused an increase in the cost of her renovation works and caused her to incur extra costs for scaffolding the Council requested she kept in place. We considered the Council is not responsible for Ms X’s increased costs to her renovation works and the courts is a more suitable means to seek compensation. We did find fault with the Council’s actions about Ms X keeping the scaffolding and for delays in handling her planning application and complaint. The Council has agreed to our recommendation to provide Ms X with a rebate for specific scaffolding costs, an apology and a payment of £250 to reflect avoidable distress, inconvenience and frustration.

North Norfolk District Council (21 016 308)

Statement Upheld Leisure and culture 13-Sep-2022

Summary: Ms X complains the Council has not given due regard to its duty under the Equality Act to ensure her local leisure centre is autism friendly. Ms X complains this means her and other people with autism have been excluded from services. The Ombudsman does not find fault with the Council for how it considered its duty under the Equality Act. The Ombudsman does find fault with the Council for how it handled Ms X’s complaint. The Council has agreed to pay a financial remedy and implement a service remedy.