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

The complaint

1. Mr X complains that the Council has failed to respond to requests for information as to how he is liable for Council tax on a property.

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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. Mr X says that the Council refuses to properly answer his letters about Council tax. He denies Council tax liability for a property.
7. Any dispute about Council tax liability can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal. Mr X can appeal to a Valuation Tribunal even where the Council has failed to respond to his appeal.
8. 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 Mr X’s complaint because he has a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman