Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax liability and discounts. X has a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal and it would be reasonable to expect them to use it.

The complaint

1. X complained the Council reduced the amount of council tax reduction they were entitled to. X disputes the Council’s decision.
2. X said the matter caused them financial difficulties.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
4. 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)
5. 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

6. I considered information provided by the complainant.
7. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

8. Disputes about a Council tax premium or exemption can be appealed to the Valuation Tribunal. The Valuation Tribunal is an independent body which can determine any disputes about liability, discounts or exemptions from Council tax.  
9. From the evidence I have seen, it is or would have been reasonable for X to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal so we will not investigate this complaint.  

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Final decision

10. We will not investigate X’s complaint because it is or would have been reasonable for them to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. 

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman