London Borough of Bromley (25 013 450)
Category : Benefits and tax > Council tax
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 12 Oct 2025
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council tax premium because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
The complaint
- Mr X complains that the Council has applied an empty homes premium to a house he was unable to occupy.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- 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)
- The Valuation Tribunal deals with appeals against decisions on council tax liability and council tax support or reduction.
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 inherited a property in April 2024 which remained empty until August 2025 when Mr X was able to occupy it.
- The Council applied an empty homes premium to the Council tax for the period July 2025 to August 2025, which Mr X disputes.
- Mr X has a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal regarding the premium. 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.
- Mr X can apply to the Valuation Office Agency for any dispute regarding the listing of the property or its banding.
Final decision
- We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he has a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman