The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the process the Council followed when enforcing a council tax payment against Mr X. It is not in our jurisdiction to investigate legal proceedings.
The complaint
Mr X complained about the way the Council has pursued him for a Council tax payment. He says the documents issued and the process followed is legally incorrect.
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 cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it relates to legal proceedings which are not within our jurisdiction to investigate.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman