Slough Borough Council (19 014 148)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 14-Jan-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about his housing benefit. This is because he has appealed to the Tribunal and so the complaint is outside our jurisdiction.

Boston Borough Council (18 018 353)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 14-Jan-2020

Summary: The Council continually asked Mr X for information for his housing benefit and council tax support claims. It made errors in its decisions and asked for information Mr X had already given or it did not need. It did not give Mr X a decision on his review request. The Council’s action mean it has not paid Mr X’s claims since December 2016. It has put Mr X to considerable distress, including council tax enforcement action. To put this right the Council will reassess the claims from December 2016 using the correct information. It will also make a significant payment for the distress it caused Mr X.

London Borough of Havering (19 008 128)

Statement Not upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 14-Jan-2020

Summary: Ms C complains about how the Council managed her housing and council tax benefits, causing her financial hardship. However. that the Ombudsman has found no evidence of fault in how the Council dealt with the issues raised by Ms C.

Havant Borough Council (19 006 551)

Statement Not upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 13-Jan-2020

Summary: Mr D complains that the Council failed to pay housing benefit direct to him as landlord when his tenant fell into rent arrears. The Ombudsman finds no fault on the Council’s part.

London Borough of Brent (19 013 116)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 12-Jan-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Ms B’s complaint that the Council has miscalculated her entitlement to housing benefit and has decided she has been overpaid. This is because Ms B may appeal to the Social Entitlement Chamber and it would be reasonable for her to do so.

Corby Borough Council (19 012 468)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 08-Jan-2020

Summary: Mrs X complains that the Council has decided to recover an overpayment of housing benefit and to seek payment of Council tax from 16 years prior. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because she has appealed to a tribunal.

Wycombe District Council (19 014 397)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 08-Jan-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s recovery of housing benefit. This is because if Mr X wanted to challenge the Council’s decision it was reasonable for him to appeal to the tribunal.

Dartford Borough Council (19 012 038)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 07-Jan-2020

Summary: Ms X complains that the Council threatened her with homelessness. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because there is no evidence of fault by the Council and there was a right of appeal against any decision to restrict her housing benefit.

London Borough of Hackney (19 012 076)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 07-Jan-2020

Summary: Ms X complains that the Council failed to correspond properly with her and she was overpaid housing benefit as a result. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because this can be appealed to a tribunal.

Bracknell Forest Council (19 012 425)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 07-Jan-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to award a discretionary housing payment. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.