Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an alledged failure by the Council to consider a payment arrangement for an outstanding council tax debt, or his request for discretionary relief. The Council has asked the complainant to complete the necessary form so it can consider this issues raised. It is unlikely further investigation by us would lead to a different outcome.

The complaint

1. The complainant (Mr Q) complains the Council has failed to consider a payment proposal in respect of unpaid council tax debt. He also says it has declined to consider this request for discretionary relief. In summary, Mr Q says the alledged failings have significantly affected his health and wellbeing. As a desired outcome, Mr Q wants the Council to properly consider his request for relief and payment proposal.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we decide we cannot add to any investigation by the organisation. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B)).

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. The Council says the form provided by Mr Q for assistance regarding his relief request and payment proposals was incomplete. It has therefore referred him to the form again and ask him to complete and return this. The evidence shows the Council is therefore willing to consider Mr Q’s proposals. I cannot add anything further to what has been suggested.

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Final decision

5. We will not investigate this complaint. This is because the restriction I outline at paragraph two (above) applies.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman