Hartlepool Borough Council (19 007 757)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 09-Oct-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about housing benefit overpayments because the complainant could have appealed to the tribunal.

King's Lynn & West Norfolk Council (19 006 880)

Statement Not upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 08-Oct-2019

Summary: Mr X complained there were delays in the Council paying his housing benefit. Mr X says his housing benefit is now being paid and he no longer wishes to pursue his complaint. The Ombudsman has discontinued the investigation into Mr X’s complaint.

Cherwell District Council (19 001 846)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 07-Oct-2019

Summary: There was fault in the Council’s handling of the recovery of a housing benefit overpayment. However, it will now offer the complainant a fresh appeal right to the Tribunal, which is a suitable remedy. The Ombudsman has therefore completed his investigation.

London Borough of Haringey (18 015 518)

Report Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 07-Oct-2019

Summary: Ms X complains the Council miscalculated her housing benefit and council tax entitlement, leading to her eviction by her private landlord. She also says that the Council failed in its duty to house her, causing her and her family distress.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (19 007 556)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 05-Oct-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Miss A’s complaint that the Council is seeking to recover an overpayment of housing benefit. This is because it was open to Miss A to appeal to a tribunal and it would have been reasonable for her to do so.

Allerdale Borough Council (19 007 679)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 04-Oct-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about an alleged breach of his personal information. This is because the Information Commissioner’s Officer is the appropriate body to consider his concerns.

Torridge District Council (18 019 192)

Statement Not upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 04-Oct-2019

Summary: Mrs J complains about the Council suspending her housing benefit claim and then paying it at a reduced rate. She complains it took three months to get the matter resolved. She had to give the Council information it already had. The Ombudsman does not uphold the complaint.

Harlow District Council (19 007 360)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 02-Oct-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about an alleged overpayment of housing benefit. This is because the complaint is late and it was reasonable for Miss X to use the appeal rights available to her.

London Borough of Ealing (19 007 533)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 01-Oct-2019

Summary: Mrs X complains that the Council unfairly refused her housing benefit. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because there was a right of appeal to a tribunal.

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (19 005 507)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 01-Oct-2019

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council’s decision to refuse housing benefit and a Discretionary Hardship Payment (DHP). The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because there was a right of appeal to a tribunal and there is no evidence of fault in the DHP consideration.