London Borough of Lambeth (18 017 938)

Statement Upheld Council tax 13-Jan-2020

Summary: Mr Y complains on behalf of Ms X that the Council is pursuing her for council tax she does not owe. In September 2018, Ms X sent a letter and cheque to the Council to cover her council tax liability at a sold property. The Council cashed the cheque but lost the letter and did not act on the information in it. As a result Ms X has been put to avoidable time and trouble trying to resolve the situation.

London Borough of Tower Hamlets (19 013 105)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 12-Jan-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr B’s complaint that the Council is attempting to recover council tax he does not owe. This is because Mr B has the right to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal and it would be reasonable for him to do so.

London Borough of Harrow (19 011 451)

Statement Upheld Council tax 10-Jan-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the way the Council notified the complainant of his Council Tax liability as a landlord of a rental property. The Council has proposed action which is a satisfactory way to address the complaint.

Rushcliffe Borough Council (19 006 480)

Statement Upheld Council tax 08-Jan-2020

Summary: the Council was at fault because it did not send council tax notices to the new address Ms K had given. This led to a visit by enforcement agents causing Ms K distress. The Ombudsman considers the Council has provided an appropriate remedy.

London Borough of Ealing (18 010 043)

Statement Not upheld Council tax 07-Jan-2020

Summary: Mr B complained about the Council’s actions in respect of recovering council tax arrears and housing benefit overpayments. He also complained about events when he was made homeless. We are unable to investigate the issues raised as Mr B had a right of appeal to tribunals about both matters. We are also unable to find fault in the way the Council has tried to recover the debts. The events leading to his homelessness are too old to investigate now.

London Borough of Haringey (19 008 341)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 07-Jan-2020

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council taking recovery action against him for unpaid council tax which he says he should not be liable for. The Ombudsman should not exercise his discretion to investigate this complaint. This is because it is reasonable for him to challenge his liability for Council tax by appealing to the Valuation Tribunal which is the proper authority to consider such matters.

Basildon Borough Council (19 012 516)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 07-Jan-2020

Summary: Mr X complains about liability issues relating to Council tax. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because he appealed to a Valuation Tribunal and the matter is out of time.

London Borough of Merton (19 012 796)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 07-Jan-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s recovery of unpaid council tax. This is because if Miss X disputed liability it was reasonable for her to appeal to the tribunal.

London Borough of Lambeth (19 012 999)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 07-Jan-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of the complainant’s council tax arrears and the amount of a refund. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council and because the Council has agreed to pay an additional sum to the complainant.

Northampton Borough Council (19 013 205)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 07-Jan-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about costs incurred for council tax arrears. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.