Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax support because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains that her Council tax support has been incorrectly calculated.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The law says we cannot normally investigate a complaint when someone has a right of appeal, reference or review to a tribunal about the same matter. However, we may decide to investigate if we consider it would be unreasonable to expect the person to use this right. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(a), as amended)
3. The Valuation Tribunal deals with appeals against decisions on council tax liability and council tax support or reduction.

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Ms X says that her Personal Independence payment (PIP) has not been taken into account properly when assessing her Council tax support.
7. The Council advised that the calculation of her income changed in March 2025 onwards which resulted in a reduction in her Council tax support.
8. Any dispute about Council tax support can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal. The tribunal is an independent body which can determine any dispute about such decisions. I see no reason why an appeal could not be made in this case and so the complaint is out of jurisdiction.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman