Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to retrospectively award Mr X a council tax discount. This is because the Valuation Tribunal is best placed to consider this matter.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained the Council would not agree to retrospectively apply a council tax discount to his account.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide there is another body better placed to consider this complaint. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. Mr X complained the Council would not retrospectively apply an empty home discount to his council tax account.
6. The Council said Mr X was sent the appropriate forms to apply for the discount twice and it would not agree to apply the discount now.
7. Mr X wants us to find the Council at fault. The Ombudsman will not usually investigate complaints where there is another body better placed to consider the matters complained about. The Valuation Tribunal was set up to oversee complaints regarding council tax discounts. It would therefore be reasonable for Mr X to refer his complaint to the Tribunal.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the Valuation Tribunal is best placed to consider this matter.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman