The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the pursuance of an old council tax debt as it has been written off and the Council confirms that they will not pursue him any further. The complaint is therefore remedied
The complaint
Mr X complains that the Council pursued him for a council tax debt which he disputes.
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
Mr X says that the Council sent him a bill for council tax for a period more than 10 years ago. He says the Council is acting unreasonably in expecting him to provide evidence that it was not his liability.
The Council has provided evidence as to why they believe he was responsible. However, they have now agreed to write off the debt and will not pursue him in future for this.
I consider that this is a reasonable remedy of the complaint and there are no remaining grounds therefore to investigate this matter.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it has been remedied
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman