London Borough of Southwark (24 018 611)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s decision and handling of her housing benefit claim because it is reasonable for Miss X to appeal to the tribunal.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council (24 022 312)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 16-Apr-2025

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a housing benefit claim because the complainant appealed to the tribunal.

London Borough of Lambeth (24 020 926)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 08-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a missing discretionary housing payment. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council, and it is unlikely we could add to the Council’s response.

London Borough of Southwark (24 019 053)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 07-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s decision to recover two housing benefit overpayments from him. With the earlier overpayment, Mr X could reasonably have used his right to appeal to a tribunal when he had that right. With the more recent overpayment, it is reasonable to expect Mr X to use his right to appeal to the tribunal.

London Borough of Sutton (24 019 348)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 03-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to not to award Miss X full housing benefit. This is because Miss X has used her right to appeal against the decision, so we have no remit to investigate.

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (24 015 509)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 02-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council's refusal of a Discretionary Housing Payment. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.

Tamworth Borough Council (24 019 591)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 01-Apr-2025

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about an unsuccessful application for a Discretionary Housing Payment. This is because the complainant applied to the court for a judicial review.

Leeds City Council (24 019 507)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 31-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a housing benefit overpayment because the complainants could have appealed to the tribunal.

London Borough of Brent (24 007 115)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 31-Mar-2025

Summary: Mrs X complained about the way the Council assessed her request for a Discretionary Housing Payment. Mrs X says this caused her distress and financial losses. We have found fault in the Councils actions for failing to confirm if Mrs X received either Housing Benefit or Universal Credit before making its decision. The Council has agreed to issue an apology and pay Mrs X a financial payment.

West Northamptonshire Council (24 022 884)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 30-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about housing benefit and council tax reduction. It is reasonable to expect Miss X to use, or to have used, her tribunal appeal rights. It is reasonable to expect Miss X to take court action for the alleged damage to her health. It would be disproportionate to investigate other parts of the complaint in isolation.