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.

London Borough of Brent (24 016 577)

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

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X complaint about the Council’s handling of her housing benefit and homelessness case. This is because the Council has offered a suitable remedy for the delays and because it is reasonable for Ms X to use her right of appeal. In addition, there is insufficient evidence of fault.

Lewes District Council (24 018 064)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 27-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint the Council owed him housing benefit. The Council has confirmed it has paid the money owed in full. Further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

Luton Borough Council (24 017 563)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 27-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about benefit and housing application matters. Some parts of the complaint are late without good enough reason to investigate them now. Mr X could reasonably have appealed some points to the relevant tribunal. Where Mr X did appeal to the tribunal, we have no power to consider the matter. There is not enough evidence of any outstanding tribunal appeal.

Wakefield City Council (24 019 974)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 26-Mar-2025

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

Norwich City Council (24 017 862)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 25-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about a Council decision to stop her housing benefit. There is a right of appeal to a tribunal and it is reasonable for her to use it.

London Borough of Croydon (24 018 220)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 20-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision the complainant had been overpaid in housing benefit and needed to repay it. This is because the complainant could reasonably ask the Council to carry out a review of the decision, as well as appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal (Social Chamber). We have not jurisdiction to investigate in these circumstances.