Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the rise in council tax. This is because it affects all or most of the people in the Council’s area.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council has unfairly increased council tax. He says it took enforcement action causing him distress.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We cannot investigate an action that we decide affects all or most of the people living in an organisation’s area. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(7), as amended).

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mr X complained to the Council about its council tax increase. He said it was unjust and unethical and he set out his reasons for this. Mr X says the Council took enforcement action for arrears despite his complaint.

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Final decision

6. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because the issue complained about affects all or most of the people in the Council’s area.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman