‘Huge’ range of subjects for Waterways Ombudsman
WATERWAYS Ombudsman Sarah Daniel has issued her first annual report since taking up the post in July 2019.
During the year, she received 41 enquiries about the Canal & River Trust, a drop of two. Seven new investigations were opened, which was significantly less than the previous year’s 15 and the number of complaints resolved was 10.
Commenting on her first year in office, Sarah said: “The range of subjects which I have had enquiries on is huge and the callers and complainants are deeply passionate about their own issue and the waterways in general.
“It is heartwarming to know there are so many people who care about our waterways and who enjoy and wish to maintain the pleasure they bring to us all.”
The majority of complaints were about boating issues and of the 10 resolved, three were upheld in part, one was settled and six were not upheld. A goodwill award was proposed in one case which was partly upheld.
As well as summaries of all completed investigations, the report also includes details of other work completed by Sarah this year and sets out details of future work plans for the Waterways Ombudsman Committee, which has also issued its annual report, and the Ombudsman for the coming year.
The Water ways Ombudsman scheme deals with complaints about the Canal & River Trust and the Avon Navigation Trust, which are referred to the Ombudsman after completion of each trust’s own complaints process. The Waterways Ombudsman Committee oversees the work of the scheme and remains satisfied with the operation and funding of the scheme.