The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about council tax banding as the complainant has already appealed to the Valuation Tribunal.
The complaint
Miss X complains about being placed in Council Tax band E despite the neighbouring properties being in band D. She wants the Council to put her in Band D.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
The Valuation Tribunal deals with appeals against decisions on council tax banding.
We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has appealed to a tribunal. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(a), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Miss X. I also considered our Assessment Code.
My assessment
Miss X has already used her legal right to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal so we cannot investigate.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because Miss X has already appealed to the Valuation Tribunal.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman