Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (20 004 146)

Statement Upheld COVID-19 22-Mar-2021

Summary: Ms E complains about the Council's refusal of a grant to support her business, which suffered a loss of trade because of the impact of COVID-19. We uphold the complaint finding fault in the Council's consideration of Ms E's application for a discretionary grant. This caused Ms E distress and we recommend the Council reconsider its decision taking account of our findings.

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.

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.

Bristol City Council (20 004 449)

Statement Upheld COVID-19 03-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council's handling of grant schemes and his complaints, resulting in loss of trust and financial difficulties. We find fault by the Council and recommend it provides Mr X an apology, payment for distress and payment for time and trouble.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council (20 005 529)

Statement Upheld COVID-19 24-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complains the Council wrongly refused his business a discretionary grant, causing financial risk and distress. We find fault by the Council. Though this did not affect the Council's decision on Mr X's grant we recommend the Council take action to prevent recurrence.

Burnley Borough Council (20 003 181)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 18-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complained the Council refused to award a small business grant, which caused financial hardship. The Council was not at fault.

London Borough of Lambeth (20 004 233)

Statement Upheld COVID-19 15-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complained the Council refused to assist his business, which suffered financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council was at fault for giving incorrect advice about its discretionary grant scheme and for failing to respond to an enquiry about the business rates hardship fund. It should apologise. It was not at fault for refusing a small business grant or rates relief.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council (20 003 287)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 15-Feb-2021

Summary: Ms E complains the Council did not award her a small business grant under a scheme to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. We do not find fault in the Council's decision to refuse a grant nor the advice it gave to Ms E in reply to her enquiries about potential eligibility.

Bury Metropolitan Borough Council (20 000 927)

Statement Upheld COVID-19 15-Feb-2021

Summary: Mrs X complained about a lack of financial support from the Council during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council was at fault for not addressing her complaint about the discretionary grant paid. It should apologise and review its complaints process.

New Forest District Council (20 004 707)

Statement Not upheld COVID-19 10-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council's decision to refuse a Small Business Grant, causing financial difficulties to his business. We find no fault in the Council's decision making process.