Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about council tax liability. This is because he has already appealed to the Valuation Tribunal. The matter is therefore outside our jurisdiction.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about his liability for council tax for the period between 2019 and 2021. He feels that the Council has not communicated effectively with him.

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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. 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).
4. 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

5. I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
6. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

7. Mr X disputes his council tax liability for the period between 2019 and 2021. He feels that the Council has not told him about the council tax he owed.
8. Mr X says the Council’s communication has been poor.
9. Whilst I note his concerns, I can see that Mr X has already appealed to the Valuation Tribunal. I note his appeal was not upheld and the Tribunal determined that he was liable for the sums due.
10. I therefore cannot investigate his complaint because he has already exercised his appeal rights.

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Final decision

11. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he has already appealed to the Valuation Tribunal.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman