London Borough of Haringey (22 004 300)
Category : Benefits and tax > Council tax
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 04 Jul 2022
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax discounts as this can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal.
The complaint
- Ms X says that the Council have refused her request for council tax discounts as she made the application after she moved out of temporary accommodation.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- 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)
- The Valuation Tribunal deals with appeals against decisions on council tax liability and council tax support or reduction.
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by the complainant.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Ms X says that she believes she is entitled to a council tax discount as she is a single parent and lives on her own. She says her request was rejected unfairly.
- Any dispute about the award of discounts of exemptions can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal. The tribunal is an independent, expert body whose decisions are binding on the Council. I therefore consider that it would be reasonable to pursue an appeal in this case. She could also ask the Valuation Tribunal to backdate any awards.
Final decision
- We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because she can appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman