Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax support. This is because it is reasonable to expect Mr X to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

The complaint

1. Miss X says the Council has failed to award her father a council tax reduction from 2021 and did not make him aware he could claim. She says her father has significant mental health issues which prevented him from making a claim. She would like the Council to write off the outstanding council tax.

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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 and the Council. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. The Valuation Tribunal is an independent body which can determine any disputes about liability, discounts or exemptions from council tax. It is reasonable to expect Mr X to appeal.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because Mr X can appeal to a tribunal.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman