The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about failure to clean the lane behind Mr X’s home. The Council has now cleaned the lane. We cannot reasonably achieve more.
The complaint
Mr X complained the Council had not dealt with the overgrown and unhygienic state of the lane behind his house. He stated this was attracting cats and vermin, causing unpleasant odours and animal faeces.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we are satisfied with the actions an organisation has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
After Mr X contacted us, but before we considered his complaint in detail, the Council cleaned the lane. Mr X thanked the Council and said it had done a very good job. The Council also told Mr X it intends to treat weeds in the lane more often in future.
As Mr X’s main concern is now resolved, there is nothing more we can achieve on that point. I appreciate Mr X would have preferred this to happen sooner, but in the circumstances, it would be disproportionate to pursue that point.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the main point is resolved.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman