Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a landlord being made liable for a council tax bill when it should be the tenant who is liable. It would be reasonable for the complainant to appeal against the bill at the Valuation Tribunal.

The complaint

1. Mr G says the Council has issued a council tax demand based on incorrect information which states that his tenant has left the property and he is responsible for the bill.
2. Mr G says he has asked the Council to correct this several times, but it has failed to do so.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
4. 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)
5. 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

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

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr G’s complaint because it would be reasonable for him to appeal against the bill at the Valuation Tribunal.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman