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.

Mansfield District Council (24 005 271)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Mr X’s council tax liability. Mr X used his right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, and we have no power to investigate the matter or consider Mr X’s reasons for appealing late.

Birmingham City Council (24 005 301)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about liability for Council tax as there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

London Borough of Lambeth (24 008 015)

Summary: We will not investigate Ms B’s complaint about the Council’s refusal of her housing benefit claim. This is because it is reasonable for Ms B to put in an appeal to the tribunal.

Broxtowe Borough Council (23 016 651)

Summary: Mrs X complains the Council has not dealt with her Council Tax properly. The Council did not take account of her vulnerability. Mrs X suffered avoidable distress. The Council has agreed to apologise to Mrs X and pay her £200.

London Borough of Havering (24 006 829)

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

London Borough of Bromley (24 004 414)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the complainant’s application for a Discretionary Housing Payment. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council and there are review rights the complainant could have used.

Preston City Council (24 006 161)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council tax premium as there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

Sheffield City Council (24 006 577)

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

Telford & Wrekin Council (23 009 918)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of the complainants’ council tax bills. This is because an investigation would not lead to any different findings or outcomes as the Council has appropriately remedied the injustice caused by the faults accepted.

South Norfolk District Council (24 005 246)

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

London Borough of Tower Hamlets (24 004 178)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to waive court costs incurred for council tax arrears. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.