London Borough of Bromley (24 019 703)

Statement Upheld Council tax 07-Oct-2025

Summary: We have found fault causing injustice. The Council delayed and mishandled Mr X’s Single Person Discount application, proceeded to summons while eligibility for a backdated discount was unresolved, and communicated inconsistently, giving incorrect information about court costs and failing to follow recorded communication preferences. This caused avoidable distress and time and trouble, and the Council has agreed to our recommendations.

Salford City Council (24 019 742)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 07-Oct-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of council tax recovery. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council to warrant an investigation.

Liverpool City Council (25 007 070)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 07-Oct-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to respond to Mr X’s attempts to discuss his council tax account. This is because the Council has satisfactorily addressed any injustice he suffered; an investigation would be unlikely to provide a different outcome. In addition, it would be reasonable for Mr X to refer this complaint to the Valuation Tribunal if he disputes liability.

Thurrock Council (25 008 036)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 07-Oct-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to notify Miss X before removing her single person discount and starting recovery action regarding an outstanding balance on her council tax account. This is because it would be reasonable for Miss X to refer her complaint to the Valuation Tribunal.

London Borough of Southwark (25 012 910)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 07-Oct-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax enforcement because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council. Mr X has a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal about the application of an empty homes premium and a right of appeal to a Land Tribunal against an Empty Dwelling Management Order.

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (25 014 579)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 07-Oct-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council tax empty homes premium because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

Swindon Borough Council (25 001 022)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 06-Oct-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about how the Council responded to his request for information on how it spent council tax contributions. The complaint is late and there is no good reason to investigate now.

London Borough of Ealing (25 005 652)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 06-Oct-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax liability for Mr X’s late father’s property. It was, and still is, reasonable for Mr X to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

Birmingham City Council (25 012 856)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 06-Oct-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about liability for Council tax as there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal and there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Liverpool City Council (25 004 616)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 05-Oct-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a council tax support decision. This is because it is reasonable to expect Ms X to have appealed to the Valuation Tribunal.