Inverclyde Council - complaint was from Mr C about the Inverclyde Council's (the Council) proposals to reorganise secondary education in the Inverclyde area. In July and August 2005, a further 130 people also made representations about the proposals and, of these, three went on to make formal complaints to this office. These have been the subject of separate reports to the Scottish Parliament. As the complaints covered the same issue, the decision was reached to investigate the matters raised, together.
Local Government
Fife Council - The complaint is related to, and follows on from, another complaint being reported on (200400766) about the handling of a planning application for housing on a site to the rear of the complainant's home. In both complaints it was considered that Fife Council (the Council) mishandled aspects of the original planning application and neighbour notification. In this complaint, an allegation of delay in handling correspondence was upheld, but a complaint that the Council had approved a subsequent planning application to the detriment of residents was not upheld. The Council accepted the recommendation in the joint complaint to have an independent valuer assess any possible loss in property value with a view to appropriate payments being made and to changing the wording of their responses to complaints.
South Ayrshire Council - Ombudsman received confirmation from the Secretary of Tarbolton Tenants and Residents Association (the Association) that Councillor C had been asked to pursue a complaint on their behalf against South Ayrshire Council (the Council). Their complaint was that the Council had attempted to influence the outcome of a Public Local Inquiry.
East Lothian Council - complaint was from a man (Mr C) against East Lothian Council (the Council). The complaint concerned the Council’s handling of a planning proposal to demolish a listed building and erect a new housing development in the town of X where he lived. Mr C contended that the Council failed to deal with the proposal in accordance with the proper planning procedure; and that, as a consequence, the development would have an adverse effect on the amenity of the locality. The complaint was not upheld.
Fife Council - The complainants were 11 residents in a Fife village whose rear gardens adjoined a new housing site. The investigation found that Fife Council (the Council) had not had sufficient information upon which to properly assess the effect of the development on the complainants' houses and had not required re-notification of the proposals. The complainants' amenity and property values may have been affected. The Council's ability to take enforcement action was restricted. After the matter was brought to their attention, they took appropriate action. The outgoing Chief Executive of the Council accepted the Ombudsman's recommendation that an independent valuer be instructed with a view to making appropriate payments if the properties in question have lost value.
Complaint about Fife Council - complaint was from a council tenant (Miss C) who complained about undue delay by Fife Council (the Council) as her landlord, in researching and resolving a problem of noisy pipes in her home.
Complaint about Argyll and Bute Council - complaint was from Mr C concerning his daughter, Miss C, who it was alleged was subject to various assaults while attending her primary school (Primary School 1). Mr C was unhappy with subsequent events and with the way in which Argyll and Bute Council (the Council) handled the matter.
Complaint about Stirling Council - complaint was from a man (referred to in this report as Mr C) against Stirling Council (the Council). He complained that the Council refused to repair or replace the fence at his Council property that separated his garden from the pavement.
Complaint about Dumfries and Galloway Council - complaint was from Mr C about the way in which Dumfries and Galloway Council (the Council) dealt with his council tax review.
Complaint about Fife Council - complaint was against Fife Council (the Council) from Mr C, who alleged that the Council had released personal information to his neighbour and also misled him into accepting a housing transfer.