The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a late demand for council tax as the Council has remedied the matter.
The complaint
Ms X complains that the Council sent her a council tax bill for a period in 2012 after she told the Council she was leaving the address.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we are satisfied with the actions an organisation has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Ms X says that the Council sent her a council tax bill for £248 ten years after leaving the property.
The Council says she did not provide her forwarding address which explained the delay (although Ms X phoned the Council to say she was leaving) The Council agreed to remove any costs associated with the bill and Ms X has agreed to pay the outstanding sum.
I am satisfied that there are no additional costs added to the bill as a result of the delay. I consider the Council’s actions acceptable therefore to remedy the complaint.
Final decision
We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because the matter has been remedied.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman