The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about enforcement action for council tax arrears. This is because the Council has resolved the complaint and the complainant is satisfied with the outcome.
The complaint
The complainant, Ms X, says she provided proof of her student exemption from council tax but the Council took enforcement action against her.
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 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 Ms X and the Council.
I also considered our Assessment Code.
My assessment
Ms X complained the Council had taken enforcement action against her for council tax arrears even though she had provided proof she is exempt from council tax as a student.
In response to our initial enquiries, the Council told us the problem had been resolved. Ms X confirmed to us that the Council has cancelled the enforcement action and issued new bills. Ms X said she is satisfied with the outcome and we can close the complaint.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because the problem has been resolved.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman