London Borough of Hackney (24 013 245)

Category: Benefits and tax Date: 06-Apr-2025

Summary

The complainant, X, complained that a Cyber Attack on the Council’s systems meant they were unable to pay Council Tax at the time. X was billed for Council Tax during the financial year and so the Council’s offer of a payment plan is reasonable. There was fault, as the Council failed to tell X of the right to appeal to the Valuation Fund after an application to the Council Tax Reduction Discretionary Fund was refused. Apologising and writing to X to give the right of appeal remedies the injustice.

Service improvements

London Borough of Hackney (23 014 665)

Category: Benefits and tax Date: 05-Mar-2024

Summary

Miss Y complained the Council sent an incorrect tax bill to her late father after he had passed away. She also complained about the way the Council dealt with the issue once she had complained about it. Miss Y said the Council caused her distress and inconvenience as she had to chase a resolution over a prolonged period. We find there is fault in the Council’s actions, which caused Miss Y an injustice.

Service improvements

London Borough of Hackney (21 007 104)

Category: Benefits and tax Date: 27-Apr-2022

Summary

Mr B says the Council told him it had placed his council tax account on hold but then obtained a liability order and referred his debt to the bailiffs and delayed responding to his complaint. There is no evidence the Council told Mr B placing the council tax account on hold would not prevent it securing a liability order and the Council delayed responding to the complaint. An apology and payment to Mr B is satisfactory remedy.

Service improvements