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

The complaint

1. Ms X says that the Council unreasonably removed her single occupancy discount.

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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.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Ms X’s single occupancy discount was removed in October 2024. The Council says that this was because another person was added to the account.
7. The Ombudsman cannot determine whether an entitlement to a discount or exemption should apply; only a Valuation Tribunal can do this.
8. Any dispute about liability, discounts or exemptions from Council tax are therefore a matter for the 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 she could appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman