The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about increased council tax bills. This affects all or most of the people in the Council’s area and is therefore not within our legal remit.
The complaint
Mr X complains about the rate the Council has increased council tax bills by. Mr X says this is an unnecessary drain on residents’ income.
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
We cannot investigate this complaint as it affects all or most of the people in the Council’s area and so is not within our legal remit, as per paragraph two.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is not within our legal remit, as it impacts on all or most of the people in the Council’s area.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman