New benefits and taxation decisions

A weekly update on benefits and taxation decisions

Please note: our decisions are published six weeks after they are issued to councils, care providers and the person who has made the complaint. The cases below reflect the caselaw and guidance available at the time of issue and the individual circumstances of each case.

Huntingdonshire District Council (23 016 634)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s pursuit of Mr X for unpaid council tax. This is because the complaint relates to events that took place more than 12 months ago. This complaint is also outside of our jurisdiction as it relates to council tax liability, which is a matter for the Valuation Tribunal.

Warrington Council (23 018 485)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about housing benefit and Council tax delays, and decision making because the matter has been remedied and disputes have been appealed to a tribunal.

Middlesbrough Borough Council (24 000 163)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council recovering unpaid council tax from the executors of a previous account holder. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation. It is reasonable for the executors to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal if they dispute personal liability for the debts belonging to the estate.

London Borough of Bromley (24 001 589)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an issue that occurred in 2018 regarding the complainant’s housing benefit. This is because it is a late complaint.

London Borough of Bexley (24 001 838)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to refuse the complainant’s application for a council tax exemption based on severe mental impairment. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Chichester District Council (24 003 416)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the right of the Council to enforce a Council tax debt as this is a matter for the court.

London Borough of Lambeth (23 006 430)

Summary: Mr X and Ms Y complained about how the Council managed their council tax accounts. There was fault with how the Council managed Mr X’s council tax account which caused distress to Mr X and Ms Y. However, it did not overcharge Mr X. In addition to the apology it has already made, the Council agreed to pay a financial remedy to Mr X and Ms Y to recognise that distress.

Gravesham Borough Council (24 001 622)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about business rate relief as the complainant has withdrawn it as he says the matter has been resolved.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (24 002 754)

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about Council tax liability because the complainant has appealed to a Valuation Tribunal.

Waverley Borough Council (24 000 683)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the way the Council managed the complainant’s council tax for two properties. This is because part of the complaint is late, there is insufficient evidence of fault, and the Council apologised for some faults.

Westminster City Council (24 001 133)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax payments and liability because the matter has been remedied and there was a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

London Borough of Barnet (24 001 677)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax payments because the matter is still being investigated by the Council to remedy the matter.

North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council (24 002 774)

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about Mrs X’s housing benefit entitlement. This is because the complainant has appealed to the specialist tribunal.

Salford City Council (24 002 947)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s pursuit of Miss X for unpaid council tax. This is because Miss X has right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal; it would therefore be reasonable for her to use it. Further, the events complained about took place more than 12 months ago and are therefore outside of our jurisdiction due to the time that has passed.

Royal Borough of Greenwich (24 003 123)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s pursuit of Mr X for unpaid council tax. This is because Mr X has right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal; it would be reasonable for him to use it.

Leeds City Council (23 013 988)

Summary: Mr X complained about how the Council dealt with his council tax bills and the enforcement action it took to recover the amounts owed. There was fault by the Council for its poor record keeping. This caused distress and frustration to Mr X. The Council will take action to remedy the injustice caused.

London Borough of Camden (24 000 969)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about whether Mr X’s business property should have had business rates relief for three months. It is more appropriate for the courts to decide this.