Swindon Borough Council (21 015 319)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 14-Feb-2022

Summary: Ms X complains about eviction by the Council and recovery of an overpayment of housing benefit. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because the eviction is a matter for the Housing Ombudsman and the overpayment can be appealed to a tribunal.

London Borough of Havering (21 014 627)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 14-Feb-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax for an annexe because the problem has been resolved.

East Lindsey District Council (21 005 192)

Statement Not upheld Covid-19 11-Feb-2022

Summary: Ms Z, on behalf of Mr X, complained the Council failed to use its discretion to award the Small Business Grant after amending his liability at another premises and awarding small business rate relief. There is no fault by the Council as no changes were made to the rating list for Mr X’s business premises and so no requirement for the Council to consider exercising discretion.

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (21 006 516)

Statement Not upheld Covid-19 11-Feb-2022

Summary: Mr X complained the Council refused all applications for COVID-19 business support grants from January 2021 onwards causing financial difficulties. Since making his complaint to the Ombudsman, the Council has made a payment to Mr X under a later stage of the Additional Restrictions Grant. There is no evidence of fault in how the Council dealt with Mr X’s grant applications.

Bedford Borough Council (21 014 429)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 11-Feb-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to backdate Mr X’s council tax payments. That is because the matter has already been considered by the Court and is outside our jurisdiction.

London Borough of Waltham Forest (21 015 076)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Other 10-Feb-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about recovery action for a business improvement district levy. There is not enough evidence of fault that prevented Mr X knowing the payment was due. We cannot consider parts of the complaint about court proceedings. Mr X could also have taken court action to seek the setting aside of the liability order.

Pendle Borough Council (21 015 431)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 10-Feb-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax and council tax reductions. This is because it is reasonable for Mr Y to be expected to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (21 014 651)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 10-Feb-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Mr X’s council tax liability and the Valuation List banding of his property. It was reasonable for him to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal and the Council is not responsible for amending the Valuation List.

East Hertfordshire District Council (21 012 240)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 09-Feb-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax liability. This is because the complainant can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal to have the charges removed or amended.

Birmingham City Council (21 001 675)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 08-Feb-2022

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s handling of his business rates account and its refusal to award rates relief and grants, causing him financial loss and stress. We found fault by the Council that did not affect decision outcomes but caused uncertainty. We recommended the Council provide an apology and act to prevent recurrence.