London Borough of Haringey (19 012 894)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 25-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complained about the way the Council handled housing benefit payments for the tenancy of a property where his mother lived before she moved into a care home. He considered the failings meant there was an overpayment of benefit. There was fault by the Council which caused injustice to Mr X. It will apologise to him and make a payment.

Thanet District Council (20 010 438)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 25-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complained about his social housing landlord’s actions in response to a fire at his home in 2019. We cannot investigate his complaint about a social housing landlord because it is outside our jurisdiction. We will not exercise discretion to consider the reasonableness of the temporary accommodation offered because it was more than 12 months ago, and he could have asked for a review and a court appeal at the time.

Craven District Council (20 001 603)

Report Upheld Covid-19 25-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr C and Mr D complained about a discretionary grant scheme, set up by the Government and administered by local authorities to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. They say the Council did not award either of their businesses enough money to help cope with the loss of income they suffered because of the pandemic.

Craven District Council (20 001 522)

Report Upheld Covid-19 25-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr C and Mr D complained about a discretionary grant scheme, set up by the Government and administered by local authorities to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. They say the Council did not award either of their businesses enough money to help cope with the loss of income they suffered because of the pandemic.

Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council (20 007 262)

Statement Not upheld Covid-19 24-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s refusal of a COVID-19 small business grant. The Council was not at fault.

Derby City Council (20 012 061)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 24-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X complaint about the Council’s decision to refuse his application for a grant for small businesses affected by COVID-19. This is because there is no evidence of fault in the way the Council made its decision.

Cheshire West & Chester Council (20 012 338)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 24-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint that the Council failed to deal properly with her housing benefit claim and homelessness in 2018. Ms X complains late and outside the permitted period of 12 months. She could reasonably have used her right of appeal, to the social security tribunal, against the Council’s benefit decisions.

London Borough Of Barnet (20 012 063)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 23-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint the Council refused her a council tax exemption when she was caring for a relative. It is reasonable for Ms X to use her right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

London Borough of Redbridge (20 011 199)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 23-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to pay housing benefit to the complainant who is a landlord. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (20 011 371)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 23-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to award a Discretionary Housing Payment to the complainant. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.