Newark & Sherwood District Council (23 016 498)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 05-Mar-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s charging an empty rate premium for council tax or for it advising the valuation Office Agency about liability for occupying temporary accommodation.

Medway Council (23 018 181)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 05-Mar-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax because he had a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

London Borough of Hackney (23 014 665)

Statement Upheld Council tax 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.

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (23 016 562)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 04-Mar-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a direct debit which the complainant says the Council failed to use to collect council tax in 2019. This is because it is a late complaint.

Cheshire East Council (23 017 420)

Statement Upheld Council tax 04-Mar-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax payments because the Council has remedied the matter by providing an explanation. Any dispute about liability can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal.

London Borough of Lewisham (23 014 315)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 04-Mar-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s delay in writing off a debt. The Council has now written off the debt and it has apologised to Mr X for the delay. This is a suitable remedy.

London Borough of Camden (23 016 572)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 02-Mar-2024

Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about the Council’s administration of Miss X’s housing benefit since 2022. She also complained about not being given sufficient housing advice 20 years ago. This complaint was received outside the normal 12-month period for investigating complaints. There is no evidence to suggest that Miss X could not have complained to us sooner.

Birmingham City Council (23 016 585)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 02-Mar-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to hold Mr X liable for unpaid council tax or for its alleged breach of GDPR. This is because Mr X has right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal and it would be reasonable for him to use it. The Information Commissioner’s office is best placed to deal with his complaint regarding data protection.

Cotswold District Council (23 015 918)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 01-Mar-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to pursue Mr X for unpaid council tax. This is because an investigation would be unlikely to find fault with the Council’s actions.

Leicester City Council (23 016 402)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 01-Mar-2024

Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about the recovery of a hosing benefit overpayment issued in 2013. This complaint was received outside the normal 12-month period for investigating complaints. There is no evidence to suggest that Miss X could not have complained to us sooner.