London Borough of Havering (21 014 627)
Category : Benefits and tax > Council tax
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 14 Feb 2022
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about council tax for an annexe because the problem has been resolved.
The complaint
- The complainant, whom I refer to as Mr X, complained about a delay in resolving a problem regarding council tax for an annexe.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- The Ombudsman investigates complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if the problem has been resolved. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Mr X complained to us that since June 2021 he had been trying to resolve a problem regarding council tax for an annexe. Mr X had claimed a council tax exemption for the property from 2018. The matter was not resolved and Mr X had received a court summons for council tax arrears.
- In response to his complaint the Council apologised for the delay in resolving the matter and said his case should have been passed to the council tax team. The Council awarded an exemption from 2018 and confirmed Mr X had no council tax to pay. Mr X is satisfied with the outcome.
Final decision
- We will not investigate this complaint because the matter has been resolved.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman