Birmingham City Council (23 020 713)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 01-Oct-2024

Summary: Miss X complains about the Council’s handling of her homelessness application and stay in Bed and Breakfast accommodation causing distress. We found fault because the Council delayed dealing with Miss X’s homelessness application and she stayed in Bed and Breakfast accommodation for longer than the statutory guidance recommends. The Council has accepted it was at fault. It has already apologised and offered a suitable payment in recognition of the distress caused. So, we have completed our investigation.

Birmingham City Council (23 011 319)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 13-Oct-2024

Summary: There was fault by the Council. It made mistakes when it administered overpayments of housing benefit, it did not explain the process properly to Mr B, and gave him wrong information. This caused him uncertainty and distress, but did not disadvantage him financially. In fact, Mr B has benefited from the Council’s mistakes. The Council has apologised to Mr B. This is a suitable remedy for Mr B’s complaint.

Birmingham City Council (24 001 483)

Statement Upheld Special educational needs 20-Nov-2024

Summary: Mr D complained about the Council’s handling of his son’s (X) Education, Health, and Care plan process and his requests for more provision and a different school placement. We found the Council failed to adhere to the statutory process and timescales following an annual review. However, this did not cause X or Mr D a significant injustice, its apology was therefore appropriate. Other parts of the complaint carry appeal right to the SEND Tribunal, which we would expect Mr D to use.

Birmingham City Council (24 004 631)

Statement Upheld Council tax 14-Jan-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about delays by the Council in responding to correspondence and providing a refund because the matter has been remedied.

Birmingham City Council (24 019 669)

Statement Upheld Council tax 25-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council linked the complainant to the wrong address. This is because the Council has provided a satisfactory response and there is not enough outstanding injustice to require an investigation. In addition, Mr X could complain to the Information Commissioner.