Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a business rates bill as the complaint is made late to us and there are not good reasons to investigate now.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about a retrospective business rates bill the Council issued to him in August 2021. Mr X disputes the amount of the bill and wants a refund for the monies he has paid which he says has had a huge financial impact on his business.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

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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 knew about the problem he complains about in August 2021 but, as he did not complain to us until May 2023, his complaint is made late. It is reasonable to expect Mr X to have complained to us sooner and within 12 months of him knowing about the problem, particularly as he was represented by a solicitor at the time. I do not consider therefore that there are good reasons for us to investigate now and we will not do so.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is made late to us and there are not good reasons to investigate now.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman