Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about whether Mr X was liable for council tax. He had appeal rights to the Valuation Tribunal.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained the Council charged him for council tax on a property he did not live in.
2. Mr X said this has caused financial distress.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. The Ombudsman investigates complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start or may decide not to continue with an investigation if we decide it would be reasonable for the person to ask for an organisation review or appeal. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))
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 and the Council.
6. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

7. Mr X disputes the Council’s claim that he owes council tax for a property he used to own. The Valuation Tribunal deals with disagreements over liability. It is an expert body and its decisions are binding on the Council. I can see no good reason why Mr X cannot, or did not, appeal to the Tribunal.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he could appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman