The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax liability as it is reasonable to expect Mr X to appeal his case to the Valuation Tribunal.
The complaint
Mr X complains the Council’s calculation of his liability for council tax is wrong and does not take account of his universal credit award. This has caused Mr X stress.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The law says we cannot normally investigate a complaint when someone can appeal to a tribunal. However, we may decide to investigate if we consider it would be unreasonable to expect the person to appeal. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(a), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
The Valuation Tribunal (VT) is the independent body that hears appeals about council tax liability and the Council has advised Mr X of his right to make such an appeal. We cannot determine what Mr X’s liability for council tax should be.
For these reasons, it is reasonable to expect Mr X to appeal to the VT. As such, we will not investigate.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he can reasonably appeal against the Council’s decision on his council tax liability to the VT.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman