Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax because the fault by the Council has been remedied.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the way the Council dealt with his Council tax account. He says that he was told that he did not owe any further Council tax only to be told that he owed £79.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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 or continue with 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)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

Back to top

My assessment

5. Mr X says that he told the Council that he had moved property and asked the Council in October 2023 if there was any Council tax outstanding. He says that the Council officer said the balance was nil.
6. The Council says that the officer had referred to a Council tax account in Mr X’s sole name. However, there was a further account with another person (a student) which had a bill of £79 as the student exemption had expired. The Council says that the officer telephoned Mr X back the same day to correct this error.
7. I am satisfied that the Council remedied the error by providing the correct information immediately.
8. I note that Mr X found the process frustrating but the Council says that Mr X had not told the Council of the change of status which resulted in the charge. I am not persuaded that any payment of compensation is warranted.,

Back to top

Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the matter has been remedied.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman