Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the amount of council tax support he receives because the decision can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal.

The complaint

1. Mr X says that the council tax bill has risen significantly since last year despite previously receiving Universal Credit.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The law says we cannot normally investigate a complaint when someone can appeal to a tribunal. However, we may decide to investigate if we consider it would be unreasonable to expect the person to appeal. (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.

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

Back to top

My assessment

6. Mr X says that his council tax bill has risen without explanation. The Ombudsman cannot investigate a complaint about the amount of council tax support a person received because any decision can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal.
7. Mr X can seek advice from his Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Back to top

Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he can appeal any dispute to a Valuation Tribunal

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman