Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about payments taken by council tax debt collectors acting on behalf of the Council who took unauthorised card payments. This is because the money has been refunded and an investigation would serve no useful purpose.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I refer to as Ms X, complained on behalf of her mother about unauthorised card payments taken from her mother’s bank account by council tax debt collectors acting on behalf of the Council and the delay in refunding these payments.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Ms X and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

5. We will not investigate this complaint because the money has been refunded and an investigation would serve no useful purpose.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman