Birmingham City Council (25 019 690)
Category : Benefits and tax > Council tax
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 01 Apr 2026
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s management of Miss X’s application for council tax exemption. This is because the Valuation Tribunal is best placed to consider Miss X’s exemption entitlement.
The complaint
- Miss X complained the Council failed to respond to her application for a council tax exemption.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- 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))
- 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 Miss X and the Council.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Miss X complained the Council failed to respond to her application for a council tax exemption and has not provided refunds she is entitled to.
- The Council acknowledged the delay and said it had requested information from Miss X which she had not immediately provided. The Council said it had awarded Miss X the exemption and refunds she was entitled to.
- Miss X remains unhappy with the Council’s actions. The Valuation Tribunal was set up to consider complaints regarding council tax liability and entitlement. It would be reasonable for Miss X to refer her complaint to Tribunal if she does not believe the Council has awarded her the correct entitlement.
Final decision
- We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because the Valuation Tribunal is best placed to consider council tax exemption entitlement.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman