If you think your Council Tax bill is wrong
If you believe you should not have to pay Council Tax for your property, or you think you should get a discount or exemption, you can ask us to look at your bill again.
You can contact us by using our contact us form. Please explain clearly why you think your bill is wrong and include any relevant details.
You should carry on paying your Council Tax as usual while we review your appeal.
If we agree that your bill needs to be changed, we will update your account and refund or adjust any overpayment.
We have up to 2 months to review your appeal and let you know our decision. If you are not happy with our decision, or if you do not hear from us within 2 months, you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. You must do this within 2 months of getting our decision, or from the end of the 2 month period if we have not replied.
Appealing your Council Tax band
If you think your home is in the wrong Council Tax band, you must contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). The VOA is responsible for setting Council Tax bands, not the council.
Freeman on the Land
Some groups and individuals may describe themselves as “freemen” or refer to the Freeman on the Land movement. These beliefs are sometimes based on the idea that a person only has to follow laws they personally agree to.
Being a “freeman” does not remove the legal requirement to pay Council Tax.
The requirement to pay Council Tax is set out in the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992. These laws give local authorities the legal power to bill for and collect Council Tax, which is used to fund essential local services.
Council Tax is not optional and does not depend on consent or a contract with the council. If you are legally responsible for a property, you must pay Council Tax as billed.
Claims based on a lack of consent or the absence of a contract with the council have no legal basis and will not be accepted as a reason for non payment. Failure to pay Council Tax may result in recovery or enforcement action.
Request a refund
If you need to request a refund on your Council Tax, please complete our online form.