Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council incorrectly applying a lower tax rate and then pursuing Ms X for arrears, as the complaint was submitted to us late.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains that the Council incorrectly applied a lower council tax rate. She double-checked this with the Council but was told that the rate is correct. She now owes council tax arrears.

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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 late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

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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. Ms X has been aware of the incorrect council tax rate since April 2024 but did not submit her complaint sooner.
7. I will not investigate Ms X’s complaint, as her concerns relate to issues that happened more than 12 months ago, and I see no good reason why she could not have complained to us sooner.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because it is made late and there is no good reason to consider it now.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman