Herefordshire Council (25 005 183)
Category : Benefits and tax > Council tax
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 02 Feb 2026
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Liability Order as this is a matter for the courts.
The complaint
- Mr X complains that the Council obtained a Liability Order against him illegally.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- We have the power to start or end an investigation into a complaint about actions the law allows us to investigate. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we think the issues could reasonably be, or have been mentioned as part of the legal proceedings regarding a closely related matter. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Mr X argues that the Liability Order obtained by the Council was obtained improperly. The Ombudsman cannot decide legal matters; the question as to whether the Liability Order was legal or improper could only be decided by a court. Mr X could have asked for the Liability Order to be set aside by the court if he was not properly notified of the hearing.
- The Ombudsman will not therefore investigate this matter as it was a matter for the courts.
Final decision
- We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is a matter for the courts.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman