The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax liability because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
The complaint
Mr X complains that the Council has held him liable for Council tax on a property he ceased occupation of in November 2022.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The law says we cannot normally investigate a complaint when someone has a right of appeal, reference or review to a tribunal about the same matter. However, we may decide to investigate if we consider it would be unreasonable to expect the person to use this right. (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.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X says that the Council has sought Council tax for occupation of a property he ceased use of in November 2022. The Council has since removed the liability from November 2023 but not November 2022.
Any dispute about Council tax liability can be appealed to a Valuation Tribunal. The tribunal is an independent body which can determine any dispute about such decisions. I see no reason why an appeal could not be made in this case and so the complaint is out of jurisdiction.
The Valuation Tribunal advises those appealing to continue to pay the disputed sum (with a refund on a successful appeal) to avoid enforcement action.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman