Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council tax increase as it affects all or most of the population in the area.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains that the Council has illegally set a Council tax rise without a referendum.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate something that affects all or most of the people in a council’s area. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(7), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. Mr X says that the Council has increased Council tax by 5.8% which would require a referendum.
6. The Council tax rise affects all or most of the population and so the complaint is out of jurisdiction.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman