Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about business rate costs. This is because the Council has recently resolved this complaint, and an investigation is unlikely to achieve anything more.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained that the Council pursued him for business rate charges for which he was not liable.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate 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 or continue an investigation if we decide further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B).)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

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

Back to top

My assessment

4. Mr X received correspondence from the Council in relation to outstanding business rate charges for which he says he was not liable.
5. The Council recently contacted Mr X to agree a resolution, which included cancelling all charges.
6. The Council’s actions represent a suitable remedy in line with the Ombudsman’s guidance on remedies.

Back to top

Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the Council has recently taken action to resolve the complaint, and an investigation is unlikely to achieve anything more.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman