London Borough of Merton (25 016 331)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 31-Mar-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Mr X’s claim for a discretionary housing payment. There is not enough evidence of fault by the Council in its decision making to warrant investigation. The Council’s apology for its delay and incorrect appeal advice is a suitable remedy and there is no significant remaining injustice.

West Northamptonshire Council (25 017 577)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 29-Mar-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council issuing her with a housing benefit overpayment which it is recovering from her universal credit payments. It was reasonable for Miss X to ask for an internal review and then appeal to the First-Tier benefits tribunal.

London Borough of Islington (25 019 723)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 26-Mar-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about housing benefit for Mr X’s former tenant. This is because the complaint is late and there is no good reason for this.

London Borough of Barnet (25 017 774)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 25-Mar-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s pursuit of a housing benefit overpayment. We cannot question whether Miss X is liable for the overpayment, and the delay in pursuing the debt did not cause sufficient injustice to warrant an investigation.

Birmingham City Council (25 028 024)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 25-Mar-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a housing benefit overpayment because there was a right of appeal to a tribunal and the matter is out of time.

London Borough of Tower Hamlets (25 012 553)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 24-Mar-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of a housing benefit overpayment. Mr X has used his right of appeal, which is the appropriate route to challenge the decision. We cannot consider the matter.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council (25 014 925)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 17-Mar-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council stopping his Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme claim. This is because it is reasonable to expect him to use his right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

Royal Borough of Greenwich (25 003 263)

Statement Not upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 13-Mar-2026

Summary: We have concluded our investigation without a finding of fault. The Council refused the application on the basis of the level of savings evidenced at the time and it was entitled to take this into account when assessing financial hardship. I have not seen evidence of an inappropriate credit search or that Ms X was prevented from pursuing her complaint. Concerns about compliance with data protection are for the Information Commissioner’s Office.

London Borough of Ealing (25 016 935)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 12-Mar-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Miss C’s complaint about the homelessness support provided by the Council and its decision to refuse her Discretionary Housing Payment application. There is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigation.

West Lindsey District Council (25 016 157)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 10-Mar-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about the Council’s actions to recover an overpayment of housing benefit and its response to her information request. There is insufficient evidence of fault to warrant an investigation. The Information Commissioner’s Office is better placed to consider a complaint about information rights or data protection.