The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax. This is because it is reasonable to expect Mr Y to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.
The complaint
Mr Y complained the Council has charged him council tax for a property he has never lived at and disputes his liability. He says the issue has caused him upset and worry.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The law says we cannot normally investigate a complaint when someone can appeal 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 appeal. (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 Mr Y provided and the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
The Valuation Tribunal deals with appeals against decisions on council tax liability and council tax support or reduction.
This is free and reasonable adjustments can be made where necessary for access to the tribunal’s service.
Consequently, it is reasonable to expect Mr Y to use his right to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal if he wishes to dispute his liability for council tax at the property. Therefore, we will not investigate this complaint.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr Y’s complaint because it is reasonable to expect Mr Y to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman