Overview
The complainant (Ms C) raised concerns on behalf of her sister (Ms A) regarding kitchen unit replacement and electrical rewiring work instructed by North Lanarkshire Council (the Council) to Ms A’s tenancy.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Council failed to respond appropriately to representations made about unnecessary disruption to the decoration in Ms A’s home (not upheld); and
- (b) the Council’s award of an allowance to Ms A to make good the extensively disrupted decoration in her home was inadequate (not upheld).
Redress and recommendation
Given that the Council formulated their policy on decoration/disturbance allowances some 11 years ago when they brought together the policies of the three predecessor housing authorities, the Ombudsman recommended that the Council give consideration as to whether a review of that policy should be undertaken.
The Council accepted the recommendation and stated that they intend to review decoration/disturbance allowances and to report to a future meeting of the appropriate committee.