The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a council tax support overpayment. This is because it is reasonable to expect Ms X to appeal.
The complaint
Ms X says the Council unfairly decided in 2025 it had overpaid council tax support from 2021. She appealed to the Council but it upheld its decision and advised she could appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The law says we cannot normally investigate a complaint when someone has a right of appeal, reference or review 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 use this right. (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 provided by the complainant and the Council. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because it is reasonable to expect her to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman