London Borough of Hackney (23 014 268)
Category : Benefits and tax > Council tax support
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 03 Jan 2024
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax liability as Mr X has appealed to a Valuation Tribunal.
The complaint
- Mr X complains that the Council is recovering a Council tax overpayment without proper explanation.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has appealed to a tribunal or a government minister or started court action about the matter. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by the complainant.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Mr X says that he did not receive an explanation for an alleged overpayment of Council tax. He has now appealed to a Valuation Tribunal.
- The tribunal is an independent, expert body whose decisions are binding on the Council. The Ombudsman cannot investigate a complaint which has been appealed to a Valuation Tribunal. We will not therefore investigate this complaint.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman