Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council tax discount because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains that the Council refuses to award a 50% Council tax reduction.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The law says we cannot normally investigate a complaint when someone has a right of appeal, reference or review 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 use this right. (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. Ms X applied for a Council tax discount because of her status.
7. The Council refused, explaining that her status did not satisfy the regulations for a discount.
8. Any dispute about Council tax discount or reduction can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal. The tribunal is an independent body which can determine any dispute about such decisions. I see no reason why an appeal could not be made in this case and so the complaint is out of jurisdiction.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman