LGO Individual Decisions

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of a “right to buy” application. It is reasonable to expect Mr X to take court action about the handling of his application. Other points are more properly for the police and the Information Commissioner.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about not relocating a neighbour who has exhibited criminal behaviour. This is because we have no remit to consider the Council’s action in connection with its management of its social housing.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of a dangerous structure. This is because the injustice Mr and Mrs X claim stems from the actions of their neighbour rather than any fault by the Council.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s assessment of a homelessness application. It was reasonable for Mr X to use the review/appeal procedure to challenge the Council’s decision.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a request for information, because the Information Commissioner’s Office is best placed to consider such complaints.

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council carrying out Community Protection activities and approaching the Police. This is because an alternative remedy has been used and the issues complained about relate to matters subject to legal proceedings in court. There is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the suitability of accommodation provided by the Council to end the complainant’s homelessness. This is because the complainant could reasonably appeal the housing decision in county court under the statutory appeals procedure.

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about damage caused to her property by a Council owned tree, about delays in repairing the damage, and about another tree Mrs X says poses a risk. This is because it is reasonable for Mrs X to take some of the issues complained about to court, and because an investigation by the Ombudsman for the remaining matters is unlikely to achieve any additional outcome.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s assessment of a housing application. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with the complainant’s planning application. This is because the complainant has appealed to the Planning Inspector. We will also not consider the complainant’s concerns the Council breached a legal agreement as the matter is better dealt with by the courts.

Summary: Mr X complained the Council was wrong to refuse Mr Y a business grant, causing him financial difficulties and distress. We found the Council at fault in its communications. We recommended the Council provide an apology to Mr Y, make payments for distress, time and trouble, and revisit its decision making.

Summary: Mr X complained the Council was wrong to refuse Mrs Y a business grant, causing her financial difficulties and distress. We found the Council at fault in its communications with Mrs Y.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Councils. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. The complainant had a right of appeal to the courts.

Summary: Mrs X complained about the amount the Council charged her for removing fly-tipped waste from an alleyway behind her property. Mrs X has said this has caused her mental and financial stress as she cannot afford to pay the cost and she believes the Council’s actions amount to discrimination. We do not find fault with the Council’s decision to charge Mrs X or the amount it has asked for.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a council tax and rent refund. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council and because we have no power to investigate complaints about rent accounts.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a letter sent to Mr X by the Council which he considers to be defamatory. This is because an investigation is unlikely to add to the investigation already carried out by the Council or lead to a different outcome and if Mr X believes he has been defamed, the courts are best placed to determine such a claim.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about damage caused to the complainant’s fence. This is because it is reasonable to expect the complainant to go to court to determine any liability owed by the Council.