The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax because it affects all or most of the people of the area.
The complaint
Ms X complains that the Council tax charge does not reflect the services provided by her Council compared to other Councils.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate something that affects all or most of the people in a council’s area. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(7), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Ms X says that her previous Council (prior to merging) provided a better bin collection service than her present one but she still pays the same.
The Council tax charge affects all or most of the people in her area and so the complaint is out of jurisdiction.
Final decision
We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because it affects all or most of the people of the area.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman