Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council not providing Ms G with a single person council tax reduction. The Council told us it has taken action to resolve the matter but if not it would be reasonable for Ms G to lodge an appeal at the Valuation Tribunal.

The complaint

1. Ms G says the council has failed to provide her with a single person council tax reduction or an accurate council tax account.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

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

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

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My assessment

7. Ms G’s complaint is about council tax reduction. The Council says since she complained to us it has taken action to ensure her bill is correct and has issued an up to date statement and instalment plan.
8. If the action the Council has taken does not resolve Ms G’s complaint, she has the right to appeal against any council tax demand at the Valuation Tribunal.
9. The Valuation Tribunal is a free and easy to use service which deals with council tax liability and council tax support or reduction disputes, so it would be reasonable for Ms G to use her right of appeal.

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Final decision

10. We will not investigate Ms G’s complaint because it would be reasonable for her to appeal against any council tax demand she is unhappy about at the Valuation Tribunal.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman