Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Mr X’s council tax support from 2018 to 2020. This is because he could have used his appeal rights and because it is a late complaint.

Summary: Mr B complained that the Council refused his applications for discretionary housing payments (DHPs) for help with housing costs and for a deposit on a flat. We found no grounds to question the Council’s decision in relation to Mr B’s applications for DHPs for help with rent but the Council was at fault in refusing his application for a DHP for a deposit on the grounds that the property was outside its area. In recognition of the injustice caused by this, the Council has agreed to apologise to Mr B and review its decision.

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about how the Council has handled her council tax account. We cannot achieve anything by investigating. Mrs X could have reasonably appealed decisions on council tax entitlement to the Valuation Tribunal.

Summary: Mr X complains the Council unfairly added enforcement agent fees for council tax arrears when it knew he had changed address. The Council has agreed to remove the agent’s visit charges.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about housing benefit overpayments and the Council’s decision not to award compensation. This is because the complainant appealed to the tribunal and could have appealed about another overpayment. In addition, part of the complaint is late.

Summary: Ms X complains that Council delays led to an increased Council tax bill. We will not investigate this complaint because she could appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about entitlement to council tax reduction because he appealed to a Valuation Tribunal.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to recover a Housing Benefit overpayment as there is no evidence of fault in the way it was made.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a failed council tax direct debit. This is because the Council has provided a fair response and there is not enough remaining injustice to require an investigation.

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s decision not to award him a COVID-19 business grant. While one reason for its refusal appears flawed we cannot question the Council’s decision that Mr X did not meet the criteria for the grant. Any fault did not therefore cause Mr X significant injustice.

Summary: Mr N complains about the Council not providing calculations of his council tax reduction awards. He also complains about the Council’s decision on one of those awards. We uphold the complaint about the calculations. But we have not looked at the substantive issue about the decision. That is because it is a reasonable expectation for Mr N to appeal that decision.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to remove Ms X’s single person council tax discount. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault and Ms X has not been caused a significant injustice.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of an application for a COVID-19-related business grant. There is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.

Summary: Mr X complained the Council have not applied deductions to his council tax arrears that it should have. Mr X also complains about how the Council processed his council tax account and application for Council Tax Support Discretionary Discount. Based on the information available, I have found fault in how the Council responded to Mr X’s application. The Council have agreed to our recommendations.