City of Doncaster Council (20 003 175)

Statement Not upheld Covid-19 13-Jan-2021

Summary: Ms X complains the Council gave inadequate advice on business rates, resulting in its refusal of a small business grant and causing her distress. We find no fault in the Council’s actions or in its decision making.

City of Doncaster Council (20 003 194)

Statement Not upheld Covid-19 13-Jan-2021

Summary: Mr X complains the Council refused to grant his business any rates relief, causing financial loss. We find no fault in the Council’s decision making process.

Teignbridge District Council (20 002 717)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 12-Jan-2021

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council refusing to award a small business grant. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (20 007 466)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 12-Jan-2021

Summary: Mrs X complains about how the Council dealt with her council tax cheques during the COVID-19 restrictions. There was poor communication by the Council, which caused Mrs X avoidable confusion and contributed to her accruing council tax arrears. At our recommendation, the Council has agreed to pay Mrs X £150 and to discuss a repayment arrangement with her. Therefore we shall not take further action on this complaint.

London Borough of Tower Hamlets (20 007 795)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 07-Jan-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council refusing to award a small business grant. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.

North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council (20 004 055)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 07-Jan-2021

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council’s handling of his complaints about its discretionary grant policy, resulting in his suffering financial loss, stress, time and trouble. We find fault in the Council’s complaint handling putting Mr X to time and trouble. We recommend the Council apologises to Mr X, addresses any remaining queries, makes a time and trouble payment and provides training to staff to prevent recurrence.

Northumberland County Council (20 002 086)

Statement Not upheld Covid-19 18-Dec-2020

Summary: Mrs X complains the Council refused her a business grant and rates relief, causing her business increased financial loss. We find no fault in the Council’s decision making process.

Fareham Borough Council (20 007 860)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 17-Dec-2020

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s refusal to award him a government grant for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because it is unlikely we would find fault by the Council.

Manchester City Council (20 008 026)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 16-Dec-2020

Summary: We shall not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council not giving him a council tax exemption. This is mainly because of Mr X’s right to appeal to a tribunal.

Manchester City Council (20 006 534)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 16-Dec-2020

Summary: We shall not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council refusing him a small business grant. This is because any investigation is unlikely to find fault by the Council.