Council Taxpayers have the right of appeal against the banding of their property, or against liability issues -such as who should pay the bill, or whether a discount should be awarded.
Appeals Against Banding
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA), an executive agency sponsored by HMRC, is responsible for setting Council Tax bands.
You can appeal against the banding of newly occupied properties, or properties which have had a major change in structure, or use of facilities. It is not possible to appeal on the grounds of general changes in the property market, or if an appeal has been made before.
Please note that Council Tax bands are based on property values as at 1 April 1991 and therefore recent purchase prices are not necessarily the best evidence in an appeal.
If you have any questions concerning the banding of your property, contact the Valuation Office by telephone: 03000 501 501 or contact VOA (gov.uk).
If you make an appeal you may not withhold payment whilst it is being dealt with. If your appeal is successful you will be entitled to a refund of any overpaid Council Tax.
Appeals against Liability
You may appeal if you consider that you are not liable to pay Council Tax, for example:
- You are not the resident owner or tenant, or
- You think your property should be exempt, or
- You have been refused a discount or a reduction for disabilities which you believe you should be entitled to, or
- You believe that Stafford Borough Council has made a mistake in calculating your bill.
If you wish to appeal on any of these grounds you must notify Stafford Borough Council in writing so that we have an opportunity to reconsider your case. You have a further right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal if you still disagree with the Council's decision.
Initial appeals should be addressed to the Council Tax Section, Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford ST16 3AQ, or telephone 01785 619279.
If you make an appeal you may not withhold payment whilst it is being dealt with. If your appeal is successful you will be entitled to a refund of any overpaid Council Tax.
Telephone: 01785 619279