The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about entitlement to council tax reduction because he appealed to a Valuation Tribunal.
The complaint
Mr X says that he is in dispute with the Council about their assessment of his earnings and his entitlement to council tax reduction.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has appealed to a tribunal. (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
Mr X says that he claimed council tax reduction in 2021 but was told his income was too high. He appealed to a Valuation Tribunal about this.
The tribunal is an expert body and their decisions are binding on the Council. Mr X can appeal the Valuation Tribunal’s decision further if he remains in disagreement.
The Ombudsman cannot investigate this complaint as this is a matter for the Valuation Tribunal.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he appealed to a Valuation Tribunal.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman