London Borough of Lambeth (20 004 233)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 15-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complained the Council refused to assist his business, which suffered financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council was at fault for giving incorrect advice about its discretionary grant scheme and for failing to respond to an enquiry about the business rates hardship fund. It should apologise. It was not at fault for refusing a small business grant or rates relief.

Bristol City Council (20 005 064)

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

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the council tax and council tax reduction. This is because the complainant could have used her appeal rights.

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.

Eastbourne Borough Council (20 008 967)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 11-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s decision not to award a business grant available due to COVID-19. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.

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.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne City Council (20 009 848)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 11-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council refusing to award a business grant available due to COVID-19. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.