London Borough of Hounslow (20 009 587)

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

Summary: Ms X complains about the Council’s failure to collect her council tax direct debit payments. We will not investigate the complaint because our investigation will not add to that already carried out by the Council. It is from her bank that Ms X needs to obtain the relevant information to pass to the Council.

Birmingham City Council (20 002 548)

Statement Upheld Council tax 10-Feb-2021

Summary: There was fault by the Council as it accepts the conduct of advisors on telephone calls was unacceptable. The Council’s apology remedies the anxiety caused to Miss X. There is no evidence of fault on the Council Tax owed or the recovery of arrears from her Universal Credit.

Buckinghamshire Council (20 009 785)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 10-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s communication on a council tax matter as there is no evidence of fault causing significant injustice.

North West Leicestershire District Council (20 010 419)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 09-Feb-2021

Summary: Ms X complains that the Council reduced her entitlement to council tax support and she now faces a higher council tax bill. We will not investigate this complaint because there is no evidence of fault by the Council and she will have a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

Northumberland County Council (20 006 305)

Statement Upheld Council tax 09-Feb-2021

Summary: The Council failed to consider Mr X’s request for discretionary relief from council tax and delayed dealing with his complaint. This is fault The Council has agreed to apologise, clear the debt, and pay Mr X £50.

London Borough of Harrow (20 009 668)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 09-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate Ms X’s complaint that the Council did not apply a full council tax exemption and refund all the money she paid. This is because Ms X has the right to appeal against this decision to the Valuation Tribunal. We will not investigate the freedom of information request as this would be better dealt with by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

South Northamptonshire District Council (20 002 281)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 08-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate Mrs X’s complaint that the Council failed to consider the condition and marketing of her property when deciding not to provide council tax exemption. This is because Mrs X has the right to appeal against this decision to the Valuation Tribunal.

Salford City Council (20 002 316)

Statement Not upheld Council tax 05-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council’s handling of two council tax accounts. The Council was entitled to make a determination which of his two properties was his sole or main residence. The Ombudsman cannot intervene in the decision the Council reached.

Huntingdonshire District Council (20 009 510)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 02-Feb-2021

Summary: We cannot investigate this dispute over council tax liability because the complainant appealed to the Valuation Tribunal.

Winchester City Council (20 009 544)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 02-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the removal of the single person council tax discount. This is because the complainant can appeal to the Council and then appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. In addition, there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council and the complainant could complain to the Information Commissioner.