London Borough of Lambeth (20 006 455)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 18-Nov-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint from a landlord about liability for council tax. This is because the complainant could appeal to the Valuation Tribunal and because there is insufficient evidence of injustice.

Winchester City Council (20 005 358)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 16-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s refusal to allow single occupant’s discount on the council tax bill for his former address which his wife remained living at. He also says the Council’s incorrect use of his family name breached data protection regulations. The Ombudsman should not exercise his discretion investigate this complaint. This is because it was reasonable to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal about the decision on a discount. Mr X has already complained about the data issue to the office of the Information Commissioner which is the proper authority to consider such matters.

Warwick District Council (19 018 093)

Statement Upheld Council tax 16-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr X complains the Council incorrectly informed him his mother’s property qualified for a council tax exemption. We found fault as the Council gave Mr X wrong information and he was put to some time and trouble resolving the matter. The Council has accepted it was at fault. It has already apologised to Mr X in recognition of the time and trouble caused which is suitable action for it to take. So, we have completed our investigation.

Maidstone Borough Council (20 005 252)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 12-Nov-2020

Summary: Mrs X complains about how the Council decided she was liable for council tax at her rental property. We will not investigate as Mrs X can address the substantive injustice to her, the disputed decision on council tax liability, via an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

London Borough of Lambeth (20 000 866)

Statement Upheld Council tax 05-Nov-2020

Summary: Miss X complains the Council has not refunded all the Council Tax she overpaid when she was a student and therefore exempt. I have completed my investigation. There is fault by the Council. It should apologise, issue a refund, and pay Miss X £150.

Cheshire West & Chester Council (20 005 318)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 05-Nov-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to pay interest on a council tax refund. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

London Borough of Ealing (20 005 369)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 04-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr X complains the Council is wrongly charging council tax for what were once separate flats but which now form one house in multiple occupation. The Ombudsman will not investigate the complaint because it falls outside our jurisdiction due to the availability of appeal rights to the Valuation Tribunal.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (20 004 763)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 04-Nov-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about a council tax bill for an empty property. This is because it is reasonable for Ms X to use the appeal rights available to her.

London Borough of Haringey (20 005 453)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Council tax 02-Nov-2020

Summary: Ms X complains that the Council held her liable for council tax on a property after she left. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because this is a matter for the Valuation Tribunal.

South Ribble Borough Council (20 005 135)

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

Summary: Mr X complains that the Council failed to take into account all his payments of council tax before issuing a bill. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because there is no evidence of fault by the Council and any dispute about payments was for the court to determine.