Council Tax Appeals

What do I need to do if I disagree with a Council Tax decision?

If you disagree with a decision about Council Tax, you may be able to submit an appeal. You can appeal any decision relating to: 

  • Liability (i.e. your name should not be on the bill)
  • Discounts & Exemptions
  • Reductions for disabilities
  • Penalty Notices

You cannot appeal against the amount of Council Tax being charged or if you are unable to pay. You must continue to pay your Council Tax charge pending the result of any Appeal.

To appeal against the council tax decision, you must be one of the following:

  • The person responsible to pay the Council Tax
  • The person who would have been responsible if the dwelling wasn’t exempt
  • The owner of the dwelling

To avoid any delays in your appeal, please ensure you follow the process detailed below:

Appeal Process

The appeal process involves three stages:

  1. Your initial appeal should come directly to the Council Tax Service, within 2 months of the initial decision.

    Please state the basis on which you wish to appeal, along with any evidence to support your appeal. If the decision has been made due to insufficient evidence, you will need to supply this information before submitting your appeal. Once examined you will be issued a final decision. 
     

  2. If unsatisfied with the council’s final decision, you must then appeal to the Valuation Tribunal Service
     
  3. If still unsatisfied, you can appeal to the high court. This must be on a point of law.

If you accept the removal of a discount or exemption but dispute the council’s decision to apply a penalty, this should be done directly to the Valuation Tribunal Service.  

Time Limits

We have two months to consider your appeal. If we don't respond within this time, appeal directly to the Valuation Tribunal within a further two months. If you disagree with our decision, appeal to the Tribunal within two months of our response.

You must appeal within four months from the date you first contacted the council.

Council Tax Banding Appeals

For Appeals against the banding of your property, you should make contact directly with the Valuation Office Agency. 

You can learn more about challenging your band at Challenge your Council Tax band on GOV.UK.

Council Tax contact information

Revenues Service, PO Box 5327, Civic, 1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ