Summary: Mr X complains that the Council made errors to his council tax account. We will not investigate this complaint because the matter has been remedied by the Council.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains that the Council made errors to his council tax account.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we are satisfied with the actions a council has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I have considered the comments of the complainant and the Council and the complainant was given an opportunity to comment on the draft decision.

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What I found

4. The Council says that they mistakenly closed Mr X’s account on 19 November 2020 because of an error made following information provided by another person for a different account. The Council paid the amount still in credit into Mr X’s bank account.
5. Mr X told the Council on 20 November that they had made an error. The Council offered to continue the previous payment agreement if he returned the refund. Mr X chose to continue with his direct debit with an increased bill to reflect the refund.
6. The Council apologised for the error and has offered a payment of £50 to reflect his time and trouble in making his complaint.
7. I am satisfied that the Council has properly remedied this matter and there are no grounds to warrant investigation of the complaint.

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Final decision

8. I do not intend to investigate this complaint because the matter has been remedied.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman