London Borough of Tower Hamlets (22 014 896)
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council tax bill as the matter has been remedied.
The complaint
- Ms X says that a previous Council has continued to send her a Council tax bill for a property in which she no longer resides.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we are satisfied with the actions an organisation has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Ms X says that her previous Council still held her liable for Council tax after she moved house. The Council has now removed her name for Council tax liability.
- I am satisfied that the Council’s actions have remedied the complaint and no further investigation is required.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman