Complaints & appeals

Taxpayers who are unhappy with a decision taken by the Council in respect of Council Tax may have the right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. The Tribunal is an independent body set up to consider appeals on such issues as who is liable to pay Council Tax and whether discount or exemption should be granted. The Tribunal is also responsible for considering appeals on the valuation (banding) of properties, although this is a task carried out by the Valuation Office and not the Council.

Complaints concerning Council Tax administration, billing and collection should, in the first instance, be directed to the Head of the Benefits & Revenues service. The service head will investigate the complaint and reply in full, giving details of whether the complaint is to be upheld, and if so what action will be taken in response. If a complaint is rejected as being unfounded or unreasonable, a taxpayer may wish to take their complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints made against the Council, and will determine whether the Council has acted incorrectly or unreasonably.

For more details on how to contact the Valuation Tribunal or Local Government Ombudsman please contact the Council Tax Office.