Bassetlaw District Council (20 007 145)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 28-Nov-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council’s council tax policy includes an empty property premium charge of 100%. The Ombudsman cannot lawfully question the Council’s council tax policy and cannot achieve the outcome Mr X wants.

London Borough of Brent (19 015 493)

Statement Upheld Council tax 27-Nov-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Miss H’s complaint about council tax at her property. Miss H had the right of appeal to an independent tribunal and it is reasonable to expect Miss H to use this right of appeal.

Bristol City Council (20 006 154)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 27-Nov-2020

Summary: We will not investigate Mr Q’s complaint about the Council’s behaviour regarding unpaid council tax and who is liable for it. This is because Mr Q has rights of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (19 020 104)

Statement Not upheld Council tax 25-Nov-2020

Summary: There was no fault by the Council. The Council changed the billing for Council Tax once it was informed of the full details of the new tenants. Phone calls made to the Council before this date did not include the tenant’s names so the account could not be changed. The landlord of the property says he had to pay the Council tax and then wait for refund to avoid a court judgement against him.

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council (20 007 927)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 24-Nov-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about council tax liability as this is a matter for the Valuation Tribunal.

North Norfolk District Council (20 006 307)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 24-Nov-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about an increase in the complainant’s council tax. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council and because the complainant can submit an appeal to the council tax department.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (20 006 559)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 23-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr X complains about the service he received from the Council’s council tax department. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because the matter has been remedied and the outstanding injustice is insufficient to warrant investigation.

London Borough of Bromley (20 006 591)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 23-Nov-2020

Summary: Ms X disputes the Council’s decision to hold her liable for council tax on a property. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because she had a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal and the matter has been remedied.

Wakefield City Council (20 006 732)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 23-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council’s decision to hold him liable for council tax. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because he appealed to a Valuation Tribunal and the matters are out of time.

Maidstone Borough Council (19 013 607)

Statement Upheld Council tax 20-Nov-2020

Summary: Ms X complained the Council unfairly pursued her for Council tax payments she did not owe. She said this caused her stress and upset. The Council was at fault when it failed to clearly explain what she owed on several occasions. The Council has agreed to make a payment to Ms X in recognition of the uncertainty and stress this caused her.