1. Council Tax bands, challenges and appeals
The Valuation Office (VO) values homes for Council Tax. Homes are given a band depending on their value on 1 April 1991 (not what they’re worth today) .
Local councils use Council Tax bands to work out the Council Tax bill and are responsible for Council Tax payment, discounts, exemptions and reductions.
Each property falls within one of the following eight bands:
Valuation band |
House values |
|---|---|
| A | Up to and including £40,000 |
| B | £40,001 to £52,000 |
| C | £52,001 to £68,000 |
| D | £68,001 to £88,000 |
| E | £88,001 to £120,000 |
| F | £120,001 to £160,000 |
| G | £160,001 to £320,000 |
| H | £320,001 and above |
If you make improvements and/or alterations to your property, the band will not change until:
- you sell it
- the ownership of the property is transferred
- there is a change in a business element of the property
- there is a revaluation.
Banding challenges
If you think your property is in the wrong Council Tax band, you may be able to challenge it. Please first view the GOV.UK guidance as there are two types of challenge and different rules apply for each.
If you cannot use the online service then:
- Email ctinbox@vo.gov.uk
- Phone 03000 501 501
Banding appeals
If you still disagree with the VO's decision about your band you may have the right to appeal to an independent valuation tribunal. Time restrictions apply. Contact the Valuation Tribunal Service:
- Email appeals@valuationtribunal.gov.uk
- Phone 0303 445 8100
If you do query your band or make an appeal, you still have to pay your Council Tax until your appeal has been resolved. If your appeal is successful, and the band is reduced, we will refund any overpayment you may have made.