Sheffield City Council (19 018 063)

Statement Upheld Council tax 10-Mar-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about problems the complainant had in closing his council tax account and getting a refund. This is because the Council has provided a satisfactory response and there is not enough injustice to require an investigation.

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (19 018 185)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 10-Mar-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about council tax fees. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council. In addition the fees were confirmed by the court and the Ombudsman cannot question a court decision.

West Lancashire Borough Council (19 015 567)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 10-Mar-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr B’s complaint about council tax matters. Further consideration of the complaint would not achieve any more for Mr B.

West Devon Borough Council (19 016 827)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 10-Mar-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about delayed billing of non-domestic rates. This is because fault by the Council has not caused significant enough personal injustice to Ms X.

Basildon Borough Council (19 017 344)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 09-Mar-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about a housing benefit overpayment. This is because the Council has reduced the overpayment and the complainant has fresh appeal rights. In addition, there is insufficient injustice to warrant an investigation.

London Borough of Ealing (19 017 464)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 09-Mar-2020

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council’s review of his housing benefit claim. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because he has a right of appeal to a tribunal.

London Borough of Brent (19 017 636)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 09-Mar-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Miss Q’s complaint about a housing benefit overpayment. This is because she has a right of appeal to a tribunal.

London Borough of Brent (19 017 637)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Local welfare payments 09-Mar-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of a discretionary housing payment. It would be reasonable for Miss Q to make a fresh application.

London Borough of Hounslow (19 007 325)

Statement Upheld Council tax 06-Mar-2020

Summary: Miss X complained about the way the Council pursued her for a council tax debt. The Council was at fault when it referred the account to an enforcement agent, even though Miss X was maintaining her payment arrangement. The Council has agreed to pay Miss X £100 to acknowledge the distress caused and to refund the court costs.

London Borough of Southwark (19 018 491)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 06-Mar-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council wrongly charged him for business rates on his business premises. This is because the issue stems from Valuation Office Agency’s decision to list the premises separately rather than any decision by the Council.