Overview
The complainant (Mr C) alleged that Perth and Kinross Council (the Council) had delayed in attending to works which their surveyor considered necessary after an inspection at Mr C's home in 2003 and had unreasonably initiated legal proceedings against him. Mr C complained that they had harassed and discriminated against him.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that the Council:
- (a) delayed in attending to works which their surveyor considered necessary after an inspection at his home in 2003 (upheld);
- (b) unreasonably initiated legal proceedings (upheld); and
- (c) harassed and discriminated against Mr C (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman is satisfied that the apologies already given by the Council and their offer of £800 in recognition of the time and trouble spent by Mr C in pursuing his complaints provided a suitable remedy to the matter. However, she recommends that:
- (i) when implementing repairs, the Council give careful consideration to the effects any disruption may have on those with health problems; and
- (ii) the Council reviews the channels of communication between the arrears and benefits sections of the Housing and Community Care Department.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.