12 findings available

Department’s decision not to accept review was in line with rules of scheme.

The Department for Infrastructure was not required to accept a complainant’s request to review her Covid relief application as it was made outside the time period allowed.

Investigation Report
Not upheld

Department failed to properly monitor actions of insolvency practitioner

A complainant claimed that failures by the Department for the Economy resulted in his partner sustaining a significant financial loss.

Investigation Report
Upheld

Ombudsman asks Department to consider all options to address historic concerns over unfinished road.

A road in Larne remains unfinished because the necessary controls or conditions were not put in place before the work began.

Investigation Report
Upheld

Strengthening our roots: an overview report on tree protection in the planning system

This report was prepared in response to concerns about the protection given to trees and the lack of enforcement action following reported breaches of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).

Own Initiative Investigation

Department did not clearly define eligibility for Covid support grant

A business owner said he was unfairly denied a Covid business support grant.  We found that the man’s application was assessed properly, but criticised the Department for the Economy for producing guidance that was not clear.

Investigation Report

Man's complaint leads to broadband access

Case Summary

Investigation finds Department failed to provide clear information over Covid-19 Business Support Scheme

A complainant believed her business should have received financial support during the Covid-19 pandemic.  We asked the Department for the Economy to retrospectively accept and consider her application.

Investigation Report

Investigation into the handling of a planning application by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council failed to provide an applicant with the reasons why its Planning Committee deferred a decision on his planning application.  An Ombudsman's report was also critical of excessive delays when responding to the applicant's concerns.

Investigation Report

Investigation finds planning application was not properly considered

The Ombudsman has found that an application to build a residential nursing home in County Down was, in part, incorrectly assessed by planners.

Investigation Report