LGO Individual Decisions

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s Schools Admissions Appeal Panel’s failure to provide his child with a place at School Y. It is unlikely the Ombudsman would find fault which caused them to lose out on a school place.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax liability and enforcement because there was a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal and the Council remedied the complaint.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint non-payment of the complainant’s invoices to the Council in relation to care services. This is because the Council disputes the amount is owed to the complainant. The parties appear to be in legal dispute and we consider the complainant could reasonably take the matter to court. The law says we cannot investigate in these circumstances.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to assist in cutting back trees which overhang Mr X’s property. This is because we are unlikely to find evidence of fault by the Council sufficient to warrant an investigation.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Liability Order because the matter has been remedied.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decisions on Mr X’s liability for council tax. This is because it was reasonable to expect him to use his right of appeal to the specialist valuation tribunal.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about charges for adult social care. There is not enough evidence of fault to justify an Ombudsman investigation. The Council has explained how it followed the rules to calculate what Ms C must pay and has checked its position with its legal team. The Council has followed the correct process to reach its decision.

Summary: Ms X complained that the Council placed her son in unsuitable educational provision and delayed in issuing his education, health and care plan. We have not investigated these complaints because they are late. Ms X also complained that the Council failed to make suitable alternative provision for her son after his educational placement broke down and failed to deliver the provision in his education, health and care plan. We found fault on the Council’s part. In recognition of the injustice caused, it has agreed to make a payment to Mrs X.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with Miss X’s application for a school place. This is because it is reasonable for Miss X to use her right of appeal.

Summary: Mr X complains the Council failed to properly respond to his concerns about pavement parking which caused a road safety issue. When it did respond, the works it carried out were incorrect and not as agreed. We found there was fault with the Council’s response to the complaint and the works were not done correctly. We recommended an apology a modest payment and a date for remedial works to be completed.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about historical child protection matters. This is because the complaint is late and there are no good reasons to exercise discretion to consider the late complaint.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with a complaint about a councillor’s conduct. There is no evidence of fault by the Council, and we cannot achieve the outcome the complainant is seeking.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council allegedly giving incorrect housing advice in connection with possession proceedings the complainant commenced in mid-2022. This is because the complaint is late and there are no good reasons to exercise discretion and investigate the issues now.

Summary: Mr F complains about the conduct of an Education Welfare Officer (EWO) who he says was uncaring and unsympathetic. I ended my investigation without making findings. There is insufficient evidence of fault or injustice and nothing worthwhile I could add by investigating further.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about information the Council shared with the complainant and the way it dealt with her subsequent complaint about the matter. This is because we would not achieve anything significant by doing so.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s Children’s Service. That is because the Council has agreed to follow the Children Act statutory complaints’ procedure.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision that the complainant does not qualify for a Blue Badge. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complains about the Council’s failure to compensate her for property damage. We cannot decide liability and it is reasonable to expect her to pursue her claim in court.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with a planning application. This is because we are unlikely to find fault.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about licensing fees as it is unlikely we will find fault by the Council.

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint. This is because there is no sign of fault in the Council’s decision not to consider her complaint until the current court proceedings on this matter have concluded.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the way the Council dealt with a complaint against a councillor. The Council has explained the reasons for delay and apologised for failing to keep the complainant informed. We do not consider that an investigation would lead to a different outcome.

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Education Health and Care Plan process for her son. This is because Miss X appealed to a tribunal and so the case is outside our jurisdiction. We will not look at complaint handling in isolation.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an unsuccessful Blue Badge application. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of a penalty charge notice for a bus lane contravention. It is reasonable to expect the complainant to use the alternative court and a tribunal remedies which are available.