A to Z of services: Housing & Council Tax Benefit Appeals

Council Tax

Your council tax band is worked out according to its open market value as of April 1991. You can appeal against your property's council tax band in the following circumstances:

• If your property's value has increased because of building works or improvements (the band will increase only after it has been sold).
• If your property has decreased in value because the surrounding area has changed or the property has been adapted for someone with a disability (the band will decrease immediately).
• If you start or stop using part of your property to carry out a business.
• Your property's council tax band is changed by the Valuation Office.
• You disagree with the council tax band your new home is in (you must appeal within 6 months of moving in).

Appeals against council tax bands must be made in writing to:

The Valuation Office,
St. Marks House,
St. Marks Court,
Thornaby,
Stockton on Tees,
TS17 6QR

You can also make an appeal against your council tax bill if:

• You think that the Council has made a mistake in working out your bill.
• Somebody else is responsible for council tax at the address.
• The property should be exempt from council tax because of special circumstances.

Appeals against council tax bills should be made in writing to the Revenues Section.

Housing Benefit

If you claim housing and/or council tax benefit and:

• You think that your benefit is wrong, or
• You have been notified that you are not entitled, but you think you should be

You must contact us within one month of the date on the notification letter if you want us to look at the decision again.

See more information about Housing & Council Tax Benefit Appeals