Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax as legal action has been commenced against the Council by the complainant.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains about the Council’s Liability Order issued against her.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We have the power to start or end an investigation into a complaint about actions the law allows us to investigate. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we think the issues could reasonably be, or have been mentioned as part of the legal proceedings regarding a closely related matter. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. Ms X contests the legal validity of the Liability Order issued against her by the courts in relation to Council tax. She has commenced legal proceedings against the Council.
6. The Ombudsman cannot investigate this matter for the reason given in paragraph two above.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because this is a matter for the court.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman