Watford Borough Council (20 010 248)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 24-Feb-2021

Summary: Ms X complains about the way the Council dealt with her council tax account. We will not investigate this complaint because this is a matter for the Valuation Tribunal.

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (20 010 561)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 22-Feb-2021

Summary: Ms X complains that the Council acted unreasonably in pursuing arrears of council tax. We will not investigate this complaint because there is no evidence of fault by the Council.

Manchester City Council (20 010 585)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 17-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this council tax complaint and the Council’s decision not to remove some court costs. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council and because the costs have been confirmed in court.

London Borough of Southwark (20 010 619)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 15-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complains that the Council held him liable for council tax on a property he rented from a landlord. We will not investigate this complaint because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

London Borough Of Barnet (20 010 861)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 15-Feb-2021

Summary: Ms X complains about the Council’s decision to hold her liable for council tax on a property. We will not investigate this complaint because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (20 006 156)

Statement Not upheld Council tax 12-Feb-2021

Summary: Ms X complained the Council failed to properly apply an empty property exemption correctly when tenants moved out of her rental property, which led to enforcement action and associated fees. Most of Ms X’s complaints are late and in addition, she could have complained to the Valuation Tribunal about the empty property exemption. In the period I have considered, the Council was not at fault in how it handled Ms X’s council tax accounts.

Halton Borough Council (20 010 314)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 11-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council issuing council tax reminders to the complainant. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (19 020 662)

Statement Upheld Council tax 11-Feb-2021

Summary: The Council failed to update Mrs B’s address on its council tax database. This led to unnecessary enforcement action. The Council has agreed to reimburse half of the enforcement fees Mrs B paid and it will take action to prevent similar failings in future.

Birmingham City Council (20 004 879)

Statement Upheld Council tax 11-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complains about an additional fee of £235 added to his council tax debt during the enforcement process. We have found fault in the actions of the Council. The Council has agreed to apologise, remove the enforcement fee and make service improvements.

London Borough of Redbridge (20 009 579)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 11-Feb-2021

Summary: We shall not investigate this complaint about the Council considering Mrs X liable for some council tax. This is because it is reasonable to expect Mrs X to have appealed to the Valuation Tribunal.