Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax and rent and service charges because they affect all or most of the population of the area. Another body may be better placed to investigate part of his complaint.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about an increase in Council tax and Council rent and service charge increases.

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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)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. Mr X complains that his Council tax has increased unfairly.
6. The Council tax increases affect all or most of the population of the area and so the Ombudsman cannot investigate this part of the complaint.
7. Mr X also complains about rent and service charges and the accuracy of his rent statement.
8. The Ombudsman cannot investigate complaints about service charges or rent. The Housing Ombudsman may be able to do this.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because they affect all or most of the population and another body may be better placed to investigate part of the complaint.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman