Herefordshire Council (20 012 167)

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

Summary: Mr X complains that the Council failed to provide him with accurate information about his council tax account. We will not investigate this complaint because there is insufficient injustice to warrant investigation.

London Borough of Bromley (19 015 728)

Statement Upheld Other 12-Mar-2021

Summary: The Council was at fault due to its bailiffs overcharging Miss V more than she was liable for in council tax arrears. This caused Miss V an injustice, but the Ombudsman is satisfied with the actions of the Council and bailiffs in remedying this.

London Borough of Lambeth (19 018 861)

Statement Upheld Council tax 11-Mar-2021

Summary: The Council took over a year to reinstate Ms X’s council tax reduction and then mismanaged paying her the financial remedy it offered her for this fault. The Council has agreed to apologise, pay
Ms X £750, and take action to improve its service.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (20 006 145)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 11-Mar-2021

Summary: Ms Y complains about the way the Council dealt with her housing benefit applications and requests for an appeal. We found fault by the Council as it failed to progress Ms Y’s housing benefit appeals to the Tribunals Services. The Council also failed to clearly advise Ms Y of its decision to write off an overpayment of housing benefit and action it . We have recommended a suitable remedy so have completed our investigation.

Torbay Council (20 006 184)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 11-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council’s refusal to award a grant to his business and its poor communication, causing financial and personal stress. We find fault in the Council’s decision making and complaint handling. We recommend the Council apologises to Mr X, pays an amount for uncertainty, time and trouble and acts to prevent recurrence.

City of York Council (20 010 909)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 10-Mar-2021

Summary: We shall not investigate this complaint about the Council refusing to increase a business grant. It is unlikely investigation would find any fault by the Council but for which the Council would have increased the grant.

Pendle Borough Council (20 005 151)

Statement Not upheld Covid-19 09-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr H complains the Council refused his business a discretionary grant under a scheme to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. We do not uphold the complaint as we find no fault in the Council’s decision.

London Borough of Newham (20 010 955)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 09-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council delayed passing a housing benefit appeal to the tribunal. This is because the benefit decision has been reversed, there is insufficient evidence of injustice and because the complainant could complain to the Information Commissioner.

Sunderland City Council (20 010 963)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 09-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the Council’s decision not to award a test and trace payment available during COVID-19. This is because the Council’s decision has not caused Mrs X significant personal injustice.

London Borough of Enfield (20 010 576)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 08-Mar-2021

Summary: Ms X complains about the Council’s decision to recover overpaid housing benefit. We will not investigate this complaint because she can appeal against the decision to a tribunal.