The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a delay by the Council in doing tree work because the trees have now been removed.
The complaint
The complainant, Mrs X, complains the Council delayed responding to her request for tree work. She says she has been trying to get the issue resolved since May 2022.
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 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 Mrs X and the Council. I also spoke to Mrs X who confirmed the Council was in the process of felling the trees. I also considered our Assessment Code.
My assessment
In May 2022 Mrs X contacted the Council about trees near her home which were causing problems.
She complained to us that despite chasing for many months, no progress had been.
The Council recently contacted Mrs X. It apologised for the delay and lack of contact and arranged for the trees to be removed. Mrs X confirmed the work has been completed.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because the issue has been resolved.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman