London Borough of Brent (25 023 885)
Category : Benefits and tax > Council tax
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 24 Feb 2026
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax liability because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
The complaint
- Ms X says that the Council unreasonably holds her liable for a Council tax debt that is not hers.
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.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Ms X says that the Council is pursuing her for a Council tax debt that was owed by her mother.
- Any dispute about Council tax liability can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal and cannot be determined by the Ombudsman. 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.
Final decision
- We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman