The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council tax precept as this is a complaint against a body out of jurisdiction.
The complaint
Mr X complains that his local Community Council has unreasonably increased its precept which is added to his Council tax bill.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate complaints about councils and certain other bodies. We cannot investigate the actions of bodies such as Parish/Community Councils. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 25 and 34(1), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X complains that his local Community Council has unreasonably increased the precept (which is added to his Council tax).
Mr X complained to the Metropolitan Borough Council but they explained that they did not determine the precept, merely added that precept to the Council tax bill.
Mr X is unhappy with the actions of his local Community Council but that is not a body within our jurisdiction and so the Ombudsman cannot investigate this complaint. There is no fault by Rotherham Council.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the complaint is against a body out of jurisdiction and there is no fault by the Council.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman