LGO Individual Decisions

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to take enforcement action over unauthorised development of a listed building. We did not find fault in the Council’s approach to dealing with planning enforcement complaints, or in its consideration of retrospective planning applications. However, the Council was at fault for delays, poor communication, and lack of proper oversight. The Council agreed to provide a suitable remedy.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the amount of housing benefit and council tax support the Council awarded to the complainant in 2020. This is because the complainant could have appealed to the tribunal and because it is a late complaint.

Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about the Council’s response to noise and anti-social behaviour complaints made by Mr X in 2020. The complaint which was received outside the normal 12-month period for investigating complaints. There is no evidence to suggest that Mr X could not have complained to us sooner.

Summary: We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint the Council’s returning officer is acting unlawfully in refusing to hold a vote on a local fair. We do not have the legal power to investigate a complaint about a legislative rather than an administrative decision. We cannot lawfully investigate a complaint which affects ‘all or most’ of the people in the area.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s approach to a contribution to affordable housing in a planning application. This is because the complainant has used his right of appeal in the matter which means we have no discretion to investigate. Even if we had, the complaint is late and there would be no good reasons to investigate events from up to eight years ago.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to follow its complaints procedure. The substantive issue at the heart of the complaint was decided in court.