The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax liability because there was a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
The complaint
Mx says that the Council has used the wrong date for the start of his tenancy which has affected his Council tax liability.
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 considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X says that he received a Council tax bill in June 2022 backdated to November 2020 which he contested. He says that he was not legally liable for the property for the earlier period.
Any dispute about Council tax liability can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal. The tribunal is an independent body which can determine any dispute about such decisions. I see no reason why an appeal could not be made in this case and so the complaint is out of jurisdiction.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he has a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman