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.

South Ribble Borough Council (23 017 988)

Summary: There was fault by the Council. After an error, the Council did not contact the Council Tax payer to explain before sending a large invoice. Apologising, offering a payment plan and revising procedures remedies the injustice from receiving an unexpected, large Council Tax bill.

Harborough District Council (24 002 241)

Summary: We will use our discretion not to investigate this complaint about a council tax support overpayment and a fraud investigation.

Birmingham City Council (24 002 063)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council not giving Mr X’s business COVID-19-related business rates relief in 2022. The complaint is late without good reason to investigate it now.

Sheffield City Council (23 008 293)

Summary: Mr J complained the Council did not help him when he raised concerns about safety standards at his accommodation. He says it also delayed assisting him to claim a discretionary housing payment. We consider the Council is at fault. The Council offered an appropriate remedy for the personal injustice caused by its faults.

Somerset Council (24 001 436)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the complainant’s application for council tax support. This is because he can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (24 001 662)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax. Further investigation would not lead to a different outcome. It is appropriate for Miss X to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal if she disagrees with her council tax liability.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council (24 002 413)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council withdrew a council tax refund after it had issued the closing bill. This is because there is insufficient evidence of injustice.

Nottingham City Council (24 003 906)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax liability as Mr X can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

Shropshire Council (24 004 356)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a council tax precept as it impacts all or most of the people in the Council’s area and so is not within our remit.