Ellie Ames 12 December 2024

Council’s five-year appeals backlog uncovered

Council’s five-year appeals backlog uncovered image
Image: Peter Moulton / Shutterstock.com

Luton Borough Council had a backlog of benefits appeals cases dating back five years, an investigation has found.

A man complained to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman that Luton had cancelled his mother’s housing benefit in 2017, but not referred her case to a tribunal for six years. It should have taken no more than four weeks.

The Ombudsman then discovered a backlog of 68 appeals waiting to be referred to the tribunal, with the oldest dating back to 2019.

The local authority said it should now be able to clear the backlog within four months.

Ombudsman Amerdeep Somal said: ‘Although the woman at the centre of the complaint had her appeal rejected, there is a possibility that some of the people within the 68 still waiting to be referred to the tribunal will have their appeal upheld, and will therefore have been without the benefits they have been entitled to for a prolonged period.’

A council spokesperson said: ‘While the council’s original housing benefit decision was upheld, the length of time it took to forward it to tribunal was not acceptable.

‘It falls far short of the standards we set ourselves and showed weaknesses in our internal processes which has also caused delays to other residents who have appealed their decisions.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Assistant Manager

Wakefield Council
£42,839 to £46,142, Grade 10.
We have fantastic opportunity available for a Residential Children’s Home Assistant Manager. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Council Tax Officers - North Lincolnshire Council

North East Lincolnshire Council
Grade 6 - £16,765 to £18,501 per year
You will be working as part of the Local Taxation and Benefits Shared Service North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Electoral Services Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC15 - £30,024
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping democracy while thriving in a fast-paced, data-driven environment? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Family Support Worker

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC 19 - £32,061
Are you committed to improving outcomes for our Young People? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Cleansing Operative

Mansfield District Council
£25,583 - £25,989 per annum
This role offer a great opportunity to join Mansfield District Council's Neighbourhood Services team Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council
Linkedin Banner