Text within Ombudsperson complaint.


What do you think the organisation did wrong? 

Firstly, there appears to be no reason why commercial waste (as distinct from domestic waste) should be left on the streets of the Borough overnight - two hours is the maximum but M Lawrence appears not to be bothered about enforcement. If the waste is collected at some point he might consider his duties as performed, but the Borough has other responsibilities which may be defined as a Duty of Care or the prevention of conditions of squalor - could the Ombudsman consider these? Secondly, If it is considered that the Borough has responsibilities beyond pure financial efficiency of its waste operations (such as protection of the environment) then could it not move to 'direct collection from premises'? After all, is it not the case that the most efficient manner in which to deal with waste would be allow it to accumulate and collect once every financial year?

How has this affected you?

There is, of course, the obvious detrimental impact of the eyesore of abundant waste on the streets, but it also has a negative impact on crime and ant-social behaviour - conceded by every authority with which I have been in correspondence on this issue.

What do you think the organisation should do to put things right? 

Improve enforcement and move to 'direct collection from premises', where possible.

Thank you for submitting your complaint.

We will be in contact to update you on the progress of your case. If you have not heard from us within the next 10 working days of submitting this complaint, please call us on 0300 061 0614 and an adviser will be happy to help.

Your Reference is 27050