Overview
- A brick and petrol bomb were thrown through Ellie Haigh’s lounge window on March 5 in Newton Aycliffe, leaving the house uninhabitable and damage estimated at over £50,000.
- Police and the fire service conducted a joint inquiry but brought no charges, and the investigation has been closed.
- Haigh says her insurer is still in the stage of commissioning three independent valuations before appointing a contractor, and work may not start for around six months.
- She reports that Durham County Council removed her 25% single-occupancy discount and declined exceptional relief, leaving her paying council tax despite being unable to live there.
- Durham County Council expressed sympathy, noted she has contacted the Valuation Office Agency about an exemption, and advised her to check whether her insurance policy covers council tax.