Most Commonly Raised Complaints That Are Not Within the Remit of Our Complaints Procedure
Highways
Complaints about highways (e.g. potholes, broken paving etc) and trees, hedges and verges on highways and street lamps are dealt with by:
- Kent Highways Services,
Kent County Council,
Invicta House,
County Hall, Maidstone,
Kent ME14 1XX
Tel: 08458 247800
Email: kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.uk
Homelessness Decisions
There is a two stage process for dealing with disputes about homelessness decisions under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996 or the Homelessness Act 2002. The first stage is a review by the Council’s Housing Department: the second stage is by applying to the Dartford County Court.
Housing Benefit / Council Tax Benefit Decisions
There is a two stage process for dealing with complaints about entitlement to Housing or Council Tax Benefits. The first stage is an internal review by the Council’s Benefits Department: the second stage is an appeal to the independent Tribunal Appeals Service.
Liability for Council Tax or Business Rates
There is a two stage process for disputing liability for Council Tax or Business Rates. The first stage is by representation to the Council’s Council Tax/Business Rates Department: the second stage is by appeal to the Valuation Office for Council Tax - and for Business Rates, via the Magistrates' Court at a liability order hearing.
Notices Served Under the Housing Acts, Environmental Protection Act, Street Trading and Trading Standards Legislation, Building Control and Planning Enforcement
Complaints about Housing Acts Notices are dealt with by applying to the Residential Property Tribunal Service. Complaints against all other Notices are dealt with by applying to the Dartford County Court.
Parking Penalty Charge Notices
Complaints by motorists who believe that they are not liable for a parking ticket (penalty charge notice) are dealt with by the Parking Appeals Service, following representations to the Council’s Parking Services Department.
Licensing Decisions
Appeals against licensing decisions are dealt with by Medway Magistrates’ Court.
Refusal to Grant Planning Permission
Appeals against refusal of planning permission are dealt with by the Planning Inspectorate of the Department for Communities and Local Government.
