The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about an increase in council tax precept set by Ms X’s Parish Council. Complains about parish councils are out of our jurisdiction.
The complaint
Ms X complains about an increase in the council tax precept set by her Parish Council. She says she did not agree to it and wants it removing from her bill.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
We investigate complaints about councils and certain other bodies. We cannot investigate the actions of bodies such as parish councils. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 25 and 34(1), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
We cannot investigate this complaint. Although Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is the billing authority and collects Ms X’s council tax, the level of the precept is decided and set by her Parish Council.
We cannot investigate the actions of parish councils.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Ms X’s complaint because it is out of our jurisdiction. We cannot investigate the actions of parish councils.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman