Overview
Mr C complained that Aberdeenshire Council (the Council) did not inform the complainant's co‑proprietors when issuing a Defective Buildings Notice that, because their property is listed, the work would have to meet listed building requirements. He also complained that the Council failed to provide him with assistance to repair the building. Furthermore, he was dissatisfied with the handling of his formal complaint to the Council.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are:
- (a) shortcoming in the serving of a Defective Buildings Notice (partially upheld);
- (b) failure to provide assistance in the repair of a listed building (not upheld); and
- (c) shortcoming in the handling of a formal complaint (upheld).
Redress and recommendation
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council:
- (i) review their current recording practices, in respect of keeping a note of discussions from visits;
- (ii) decide what action is required, in respect of the outstanding Defective Buildings Notice; and
- (iii) send an apology to the complainant in recognition of any difficulty he experienced as a result of the lack of clarity in their previous complaints procedure.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.