Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s pursuit of Mrs X for council tax she disputes liability for. This is because it would be reasonable for Mrs X to refer this matter to the Valuation Tribunal.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complained the Council is pursuing her for unpaid council tax at an address she does not live at.

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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))

3. 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

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

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My assessment

6. Mrs X complained the Council has pursued her for council tax at a property she does not live at and is not involved with.
7. The Council disagreed and said Mrs X was jointly responsible for the council tax.
8. The Ombudsman will not usually investigate complaints where there is another body better placed to address the matters raised. The Valuation Tribunal was set up to oversee matters of council tax liability. It would therefore be reasonable for Mrs X to refer the complaint to Tribunal.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because it would be reasonable for Mrs X to refer this matter to the Valuation Tribunal.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman