Somerset West and Taunton Council (20 007 466)

Statement Upheld COVID-19 12-Jan-2021

Summary: Mrs X complains about how the Council dealt with her council tax cheques during the COVID-19 restrictions. There was poor communication by the Council, which caused Mrs X avoidable confusion and contributed to her accruing council tax arrears. At our recommendation, the Council has agreed to pay Mrs X £150 and to discuss a repayment arrangement with her. Therefore we shall not take further action on this complaint.

Northumberland County Council (20 002 086)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 18-Dec-2020

Summary: Mrs X complains the Council refused her a business grant and rates relief, causing her business increased financial loss. We find no fault in the Council's decision making process.

St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council (20 002 307)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 15-Dec-2020

Summary: Mr X complains the Council refused him a small business grant causing financial loss. We find no fault in the Council's decision making process.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council (20 001 090)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 15-Dec-2020

Summary: Ms X complains about the Council's refusal to give her a small business grant, causing increased financial loss and distress. We find no fault in the Council's decision making process.

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council (20 003 217)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 07-Dec-2020

Summary: Miss X complains about the Council's decision making on a discretionary grant for her business, resulting in financial loss. We find no fault in the Council's decision making process.

Cheshire East Council (20 003 215)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 07-Dec-2020

Summary: Mrs X complains about the Council's handling and decision on her request for a business grant, causing financial loss, uncertainty and distress. We find no fault causing injustice either in the Council's process or in its decision making.

London Borough of Merton (20 000 686)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 05-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr and Mrs X complain about the Council's refusal to provide a business rates' discount and business grant, placing their business at risk of closure. The Ombudsman finds no fault in the Council's decision making process.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council (20 001 729)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 04-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council's refusal to give him a business grant, causing him financial difficulties. The Ombudsman finds no fault in the Council's decision making process.

Eden District Council (20 000 647)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 03-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr B complains the Council has not supported his business with any grant funding following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. We do not uphold the complaint, finding the Council could reasonably decide Mr B's business did not qualify for support.

City of London (20 000 916)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 28-Aug-2020

Summary: Mr B complained to us that the Council did not provide his business with a small business grant as part of help provided to businesses to cope with the impact of Covid19. The Council subsequently paid a grant to Mr B's business. Consequently, he has withdrawn his complaint and we have discontinued investigation in accord with his wishes.