London Borough of Hackney (24 020 782)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 06-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about discretionary housing payments. One issue is too late. On another issue we are unlikely to find any injustice. And on another we are unlikely to find fault.

London Borough of Newham (24 008 939)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 28-Apr-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council took too long to assess his housing benefit entitlement which resulted in large benefit overpayments. The Council was entitled to reassess Mr X’s entitlement based on new relevant evidence and Mr X had a right of appeal if he disagreed with the decision. But it failed to take action promised in response to Mr X’s complaint and that was fault and caused continued uncertainty. The Council should now discuss with Mr X how it will assess his future income.

London Borough of Tower Hamlets (24 023 297)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 28-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this housing benefit complaint because Ms X could have used her review and appeal rights.

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.