Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax reduction because an appeal to a Valuation Tribunal was used.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains that the Council reviewed his appeal in his favour before the Valuation Tribunal hearing.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has appealed to a tribunal or a government minister or started court action about the matter. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6), as amended)
3. The Valuation Tribunal deals with appeals against decisions on council tax liability and council tax support or reduction.

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Mr X says that the Council wrongly changed his entitlement to Council tax reduction. He appealed and the Council reviewed its decision in his favour just before the Valuation Tribunal hearing.
7. The Ombudsman cannot investigate a complaint where an appeal to a Valuation Tribunal has been used. The complaint is therefore out of jurisdiction.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he appealed to a Valuation Tribunal.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman