Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax liability and billing as there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains that the Council issued Council tax bills in the incorrect names and failed to provide corrected copies of the bills as promised.

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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. Mr X applied successfully for a review of his Council tax bill on the grounds of his son’s condition. The Council backdated the Council tax bills and provided a refund.
7. Mr X says that the reissued bills were in the wrong names. The Council apologised but explained the basis of their decision. Mr X says that the new bills issued do not show the correct discounts.
8. Any dispute about liability or the correct application of discounts and exemptions can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal. The Council has an opportunity to review its decisions at that point.

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Final decision

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

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman