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.

Liverpool City Council (24 004 723)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council issuing a summons for council tax to an incorrect address. There is insufficient evidence of any significant injustice which would warrant an investigation.

London Borough of Newham (24 004 731)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council issuing housing benefit overpayments to Mrs X. it was reasonable for her to challenge the decisions by appealing to the first-tier benefits tribunal which is the proper authority for considering appeals.

London Borough of Southwark (24 005 185)

Summary: We will not investigate this council tax complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council (24 005 084)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a council tax charge as Mr X can ask the Council to apply a discretionary discount to the account and can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal against any refusal decision.

Dartford Borough Council (24 005 347)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Mr X’s housing benefit and council tax reduction. The complaint is about matters that have been considered and decided in court, and by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. There is insufficient evidence of fault in the Council’s decisions to pursue Mr X for the debts.

London Borough of Merton (24 005 837)

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

Northumberland County Council (24 006 698)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax because the matter affects all or most of the population of the area.

Nottingham City Council (24 004 169)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about delay in forwarding a housing benefit appeal request to the First Tier Tribunal. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.

London Borough of Islington (24 004 959)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a housing benefit overpayment and a lack of response to the complainant’s emails. This is because the Council provided a satisfactory response, and the complainant could have used his review and appeal rights.

London Borough of Lewisham (24 005 418)

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

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (24 005 511)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax payments as the matter has been remedied.

Hertsmere Borough Council (24 005 533)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax support because it has been appealed to Valuation Tribunal.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (24 004 351)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about @.

London Borough of Lambeth (23 018 440)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council tax support claim as there is no evidence of fault and there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.