Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council delayed in contacting the Valuation Office Agency to bring his business premises into the rating list. This is because the Council’s delay did not cause Mr X significant injustice.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision that the complainant is not eligible for the £150 energy rebate. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision that the complainant is not eligible for the £150 energy rebate. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Summary: Mr B complained about the way in which the Council responded to his application for council tax exemptions. We found the Council delayed in responding to his queries about two exemptions, then raised his expectations he would receive an exemption and refund, only to change its mind two months later. It exacerbated the fault by failing to inform him of this decision for a further two months. It also left a case with the bailiffs for too long the following year and failed to recognise the impact its failures had on Mr B’s ability to pay the debt. The Council has agreed to write off £65 costs, pay Mr B £500 and review its communication and recording systems for the future.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a delay by the Council in notifying the complainant that his council tax reduction had ended. This is because the complainant has appealed to the Valuation Tribunal and because the impact is not significant enough to warrant an investigation.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about liability for council tax. This is because the matter has been subject to court proceedings and could be considered by a tribunal.

Summary: Mr X complained the Council wrongly refused to pay him a Small Business Grant causing financial difficulties. We found no fault in the Council’s decision making that affected the outcome, but we found fault in its communications. We recommended the Council provide an apology to Mr X, pay him £300 for distress and uncertainty, £100 for time and trouble and act to prevent recurrence.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council calculated Mr X’s council tax support. That is because the Valuation Tribunal is best placed to consider complaints about council tax.

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the complainant’s council tax band. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.