London Borough of Bromley (19 016 151)
Category : Benefits and tax > Council tax
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 14 Feb 2020
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: Mr X complains that he received a Council tax bill which had been sent in error. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because he can pursue the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
The complaint
- Mr X complains that he received a Council tax bill which had been sent in error.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We normally expect someone to refer the matter to the Information Commissioner if they have a complaint about data protection. However, we may decide to investigate if we think there are good reasons. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
- I have considered the comments of the complainant and the Council and the complainant has had an opportunity to comment on the draft decision.,
What I found
- Mr X says that he received a Council tax bill which was meant to have been sent to another person. The Council has now apologised and says that no personal data is held on its files.
- I consider that this is a matter for the Information Commissioner’s Office if Mr X believes this to be a breach of data protection. The Ombudsman will not therefore investigate this complaint.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman