The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a council tax reduction request because he has appealed to a tribunal.
The complaint
Mr X says that the Council will not provide a carer’s disability council tax reduction although he cares for his parents.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has appealed to a tribunal. (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 has now appealed to a Valuation Tribunal against the Council’s decision. The Ombudsman cannot therefore investigate this complaint for the reason given above.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman