Decision

The Scrutiny, Performance and Standards Committee has decided to review progress against recommendations made by the Ombudsman regarding Statutory Nuisance Investigations.

Analysis

outcome: The recommendations were approved by the Scrutiny, Performance and Standards Committee.

summary: The decision at stake is the review of procedures following a complaint to the Ombudsman regarding the handling of a Statutory Nuisance complaint.

topline: The Scrutiny, Performance and Standards Committee has decided to review progress against recommendations made by the Ombudsman regarding Statutory Nuisance Investigations.

reason_contentious: This issue is contentious as it involves a complaint to the Ombudsman and the review of procedures, which may have implications for how future complaints are handled.

affected_stakeholders: ["Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman", "Council Members", "Ward Members"]

contentiousness_score: 7

political_party_relevance: There are mentions of Cllr Rigby, Cllr Barber, and Cllr Wagland in the decision-making process.

URL: https://brentwood.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1294

Decision Maker: Scrutiny, Performance and Standards Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Following a complaint to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (‘the Ombudsman’) regarding the handing of a Statutory Nuisance complaint in September 2023, the Council was required to review its procedures. The report provided an update to Members on the progress made against the recommendations from the Ombudsman report.   Cllr Rigby requested that the Ombudsman report is circulated to ward members.    Cllr Barber requested more information from Paul Brace based on the work completed.  This will be circulated to committee members.    Councillor Barber requested a recorded vote in agreement with Cllr Wagland.   FOR: Cllrs Naylor, Gorton, M Cuthbert, Jerrard and Rigby (5)   AGAINST: Cllrs Gelderbloem, Slade, Barber and Wagland (4)   The vote was taken by a recorded vote and it was RESOLVED:   That the committee review the progress against the recommendations made by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in relation to Statutory Nuisance Investigations as detailed in this report.  

Date of Decision: June 4, 2025