West Northamptonshire Council (24 015 545)

Statement Upheld Council tax 12-May-2025

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s failures relating to council tax billing for a property he owns and rents to tenants. He says the Council failed to update its records and act on the information he provided. We find the Council was at fault for its delay in updating its records and acting on the information Mr X provided. This caused Mr X distress and frustration. The Council has agreed to our recommendation to pay Mr X £100 to address his injustice.

Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council (24 022 462)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 11-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the way the Council processed changes to the complainant’s council tax. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault causing injustice. We will not investigate the complaint about an alleged data breach because the complainant can contact the Information Commissioner.

London Borough of Hackney (24 021 163)

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

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax liability and council tax arrears recovery. With the liability, we will not investigate the complaint as it is late and I see no good reasons to exercise our discretion and investigate. Miss X could also reasonably have used her right to appeal to a tribunal when she had that right. With the arrears recovery, we cannot investigate matters about the start of court action or what happened in court.

Leicester City Council (24 022 027)

Statement Upheld Council tax 05-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax arrears that the complainant was not liable for. This is because the Council has agreed to remedy the injustice.

North Yorkshire Council (25 001 102)

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

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs B’s complaint about the Council charging a council tax premium for second homes. This is because the law says such decisions can only be challenged by judicial review.

Dorset Council (24 007 439)

Statement Upheld Council tax 01-May-2025

Summary: Mr and Mrs X complained the Council incorrectly pursued them for a council tax debt and delayed in processing an application for a discretionary payment. Based on current evidence we have found the Council at fault for a delay in processing Mrs X’s application and failing to respond to their requests for updates. This caused Mr and Mrs X frustration, uncertainty and distress. The Council has agreed to apologise and make a symbolic payment to remedy the injustice caused.

Coventry City Council (24 021 158)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 01-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a delay issuing a council tax bill. It is unlikely an investigation would reach a worthwhile outcome or achieve what Ms X wants. It is reasonable for her to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal if dissatisfied with the Council’s decision related to council tax support.

Manchester City Council (24 019 954)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 01-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax liability as this is a matter for the Valuation Tribunal.

Coventry City Council (25 000 016)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 01-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council did not notify the Valuation Office Agency of the change in Mr X’s property from commercial to domestic. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

London Borough of Croydon (24 012 288)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 30-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an alleged failure by the Council to classify the complainant’s two properties as one dwelling for council tax purposes, or the valuation of these properties to inform the relevant banding. This is because the complainant could reasonably appeal to the Valuation Tribunal about these matters. All other issues raised by the complainant are either outside our legal jurisdiction, or should not be considered until the Council's complaints policy and procedure has been exhausted.