Nottingham City Council (24 013 649)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 16-Jan-2025

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the recovery of housing benefit overpayment. This is because the complainant has used their right of appeal to a tribunal. We have no power to investigate.

Gloucester City Council (24 017 005)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 13-Jan-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a housing benefit overpayment because there is a right of appeal to a tribunal.

London Borough of Hackney (24 012 398)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 08-Jan-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about housing benefit. That is because it is reasonable for the complainant to appeal to the Social Security Appeal Tribunal.

London Borough of Islington (24 004 966)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 07-Jan-2025

Summary: There was fault by the Council. The Council delayed sending a Housing Benefit appeal to the tribunal. The Council remedied the complaint before it was considered by the Ombudsman by making a payment, apologising and forwarding the appeal to the tribunal. I find no fault in the Council’s consideration of Reasonable Adjustments but Mr X can take the matter to court if he considers they do not comply with the Equality Act 2010.

Liverpool City Council (24 012 776)

Statement Upheld Housing benefit and council tax benefit 07-Jan-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council reviewing his housing benefit claim and wrongly recording his working tax credit as self-employed income. This led to an incorrect decision that he was no longer eligible for housing benefit and council tax support. This is because an investigation would not lead to any further findings or outcomes. In addition, there is insufficient evidence of fault.

London Borough of Bromley (24 012 542)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 03-Jan-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the incorrect assessment of housing benefit made by the Council. This is because the complaint has been made late, there is a right of an appeal, and an investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

Durham County Council (24 014 356)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 09-Dec-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an alleged data breach due to the way the Council sent documents to the complainant. This is because it is a matter for the Information Commissioner and because the Council has provided a satisfactory response.

West Berkshire Council (24 010 648)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 05-Dec-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision that the complainant does not qualify for a Discretionary Housing Payment. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

London Borough of Harrow (24 011 241)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 05-Dec-2024

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of his mother’s benefits payments when she fell ill. There is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating.

Gravesham Borough Council (24 013 398)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Housing benefit and council tax benefit 04-Dec-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about unsuccessful applications for Discretionary Housing Payments. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.