Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (24 020 180)
Category : Benefits and tax > Council tax
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 24 Feb 2025
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council tax enforcement as it is a matter for the courts.
The complaint
- Mr X contests the legality of a Liability Order issued by the courts against him.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- 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))
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 Liability Order issued by the courts is incorrect and illegal.
- Only a court can determine the legality of a court issued document. Mr X can exercise his right to pursue the matter through the courts.
Final decision
- We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is a matter for the courts.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman