London Borough of Hounslow (24 016 504)
Category : Benefits and tax > Other
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 04 Mar 2025
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about business rates liability. The matter is being considered by the courts.
The complaint
- Mr X complains the Council is pursuing him for business rates he does not owe. He says the Council submitted false evidence to the court to obtain a liability order. He wants the Council to ask the court to annul the liability order and clarify what, if any money is owed.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
- We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has started court action about the matter. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(c), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- We cannot determine business rates liability, only a court can do this.
- The Council has confirmed to us this matter is being resolved through the courts. We cannot investigate if someone has started court action about the matter.
Final decision
- We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because the matter is being considered by a court.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman