Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about liability for Council tax on a property as the matter can be appealed to a tribunal and the matter has been remedied.

The complaint

1. Mr X says that the Council has failed to remove him from their records as owner of a property and has sent him Council tax bills.

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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 about the same matter. 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)
3. 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

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

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My assessment

6. Mr X says that the Council has sent him Council tax bills for properties in the past that he no longer owned, despite telling the Council that he had sold them. He says that he told the Council about Property A that he had sold the house but the Council still sent him a Council tax bill.
7. The Council says they did not receive the notification but have agreed to remove his name from the liability if he provides some further specific information. Ultimately any dispute about liability can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal. The tribunal is an expert body and their decisions are binding on the Council. I see no reason why an appeal could not be made in this case.
8. I am satisfied that the matter has been remedied.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman