LGO (Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman) Other

Hastings Borough Council

24-022-549 · Benefits And Tax › Council Tax · Decision date: 08 April 2025

Full Decision

The Ombudsman's final decision

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax listing as this is a complaint against a body out of jurisdiction.

The complaint

Mr X complains that the Valuation Office Agency has unreasonably delayed listing his properties for Council tax purposes.

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

We investigate complaints about councils and certain other bodies. We cannot investigate the actions of bodies such as the Valuation Office Agency. (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

Mr X says that the Valuation Office Agency has taken over a year to consider his request for his two apartments to be revalued for Council tax purposes.

The Valuation Office Agency is a body out of jurisdiction. Mr X can pursue such a complaint through the Parliamentary Ombudsman.

Final decision

We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is against a body out of jurisdiction.

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman