Council tax appeals

Valuation tribunals are judicial bodies, whose members are experienced in hearing council tax appeals. They are independent of the local council and the listing officer.

You will be notified by the listing officer when your appeal is referred to a valuation tribunal. The tribunal will contact you to make arrangements for a hearing and will send you a booklet explaining the tribunal's procedures in more detail. Where possible, the hearing will be held locally. A tribunal hearing will not cost you anything unless you choose to employ a solicitor or other person to present your case.

Alternatively, if you and the other parties agree, you can have your case dealt with by an exchange of written representations, which the tribunal will consider without you having to attend a hearing. You should speak to the clerk of the tribunal if you are thinking of following this procedure.

Normally, the valuation tribunal's decision will be final. However, any party who appeared at the hearing may appeal to the High Court against the decision or any order, which arises from it, but only on point of law.

If the tribunal holds your appeal, the listing officer will be required to alter the valuation list. Your council will then revise your council tax bill while your appeal is outstanding.