Appeals - Council Tax

Who can appeal?
Only the person liable for the council tax or the owner of the property can appeal.

When can I appeal to the Valuation Office?

The council tax band of a property is not related to its current market value. This is because, by law, council tax valuations are based on the price a property would have fetched if it had been sold on 1 April 1991.General price movements in the housing market since that date are not, therefore, a reason for changing a council tax banding.

If you become a new Council Taxpayer for a dwelling, you have a period of six months within which to challenge the valuation band of your property. You may do this as long as the Valuation Tribunal or High Court has not previously considered a challenge by a previous occupier on the same facts. To do this write to the listing officer at the Valuation Office (VO). For further information on the circumstances in which you may appeal against your Council Tax band please contact the VO direct or have a look at their website at: http://www.voa.gov.uk/

Write to Winchester City Council

• If you don't think your property should be subject to council tax (a 'chargeable dwelling') because it should be exempt.
• If you don't think the council tax bill should be in your name.
• If you don't agree with the way we have calculated your bill because the liability, discounts, reductions for disabilities or exemptions are wrong

Please note:

• You cannot appeal because you cannot afford to pay your Council Tax Bill.
• You cannot appeal about the level of the Council's Council Tax.
• You must continue to pay your council tax whilst you are appealing