Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council (25 024 266)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 29-Jun-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the reduction in the housing element of Universal Credit due to the number of bedrooms in Ms X’s home. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council to justify investigation. We cannot investigation the DWP and Ms X can appeal to a Tribunal.

Lancaster City Council (25 022 421)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 28-Jun-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a discretionary housing payment claim. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council to justify investigation.

London Borough of Wandsworth (25 024 963)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 28-Jun-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling in recovering historic housing benefit overpayments. This is because the Council has already provided a proportionate remedy for the injustice caused to Ms Y and has agreed to improving its service for others. It is unlikely an investigation by the Ombudsman would add to the Council’s response, or achieve anything more for Miss Y.

Lincoln City Council (25 022 023)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 25-Jun-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of Mr Y’s application for a Discretionary Housing Payment. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify an investigation.

London Borough of Brent (25 027 025)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 25-Jun-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to recover a housing benefit overpayment. This is because it was reasonable for Mr X to use his right of appeal. The complaint is also late and there are no good reasons for this.

London Borough of Tower Hamlets (25 026 016)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 23-Jun-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a housing benefit overpayment. Part of the complaint is late and there is insufficient evidence of fault or remaining injustice to warrant investigation of the Council’s more recent actions.

London Borough of Brent (25 030 677)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 23-Jun-2026

Summary: Miss X complained about the way the Council dealt with her housing benefit. We found fault in the lack of a joined up approach between departments but consider the actions already taken by the Council with the addition of an apology and symbolic payment provide a suitable remedy.

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham (25 025 877)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 23-Jun-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to decline Mr X’s discretionary housing payment application. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to warrant our involvement.

Coventry City Council (25 025 635)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 17-Jun-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council handled a housing benefit overpayment. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council to warrant investigation.

Derby City Council (25 025 681)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 17-Jun-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of a discretionary housing payment. There is no significant injustice or evidence of fault to warrant investigation.