Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax and enforcement because it affects all or most of the population and a complaint about the legality of bailiffs is a matter for the court.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains that the Council has not explained where all Council tax is spent. He says that bailiffs have no legal right to enforce a Council tax debt.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate something that affects all or most of the people in a council’s area. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(7), as amended)
3. We have the power to start or end an investigation into a complaint about actions the law allows us to investigate. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we think the issues could reasonably be, or have been mentioned as part of the legal proceedings regarding a closely related matter. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Mr X says that the Council has failed to explain where Council tax funds are spent.
7. A complaint about Council expenditure affects all or most of the population and so is out of jurisdiction. This information is, in any event, available on the Council’s website.
8. Mr X also says that the Council has no legal power to instruct bailiffs. The power to instruct bailiffs comes from the courts. Any dispute about this is therefore a matter for the court.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it affects all or most of the population and is a matter for the courts.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman