Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax liability as it is reasonable to expect Mr X to appeal his case to the Valuation Tribunal.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council’s calculation of his liability for council tax is wrong and does not take account of his universal credit award. This has caused Mr X stress.

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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)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. The Valuation Tribunal (VT) is the independent body that hears appeals about council tax liability and the Council has advised Mr X of his right to make such an appeal. We cannot determine what Mr X’s liability for council tax should be.
6. For these reasons, it is reasonable to expect Mr X to appeal to the VT. As such, we will not investigate.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he can reasonably appeal against the Council’s decision on his council tax liability to the VT.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman