Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax banding as the decision was made by a body out of jurisdiction.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains that her property is not banded correctly for Council tax purposes.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about councils and certain other bodies. We cannot investigate the actions of bodies such as the Valuation Office Agency. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 25 and 34(1), 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. Ms X argues that her property has been banded higher than her neighbouring properties. She challenged this decision to the Valuation Office Agency (a body not in our jurisdiction).
6. The Valuation Office Agency refused to alter their decision. She may now have a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
7. The Valuation Office Agency is out of jurisdiction and therefore the Ombudsman cannot investigate this complaint.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because the complaint is about a body out of jurisdiction.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman