Appeals against your Council Tax band

If you wish to appeal, you should make your appeal to the Valuation Office Agency, not Wolverhampton City Council. 

The value of every property is estimated according to the price it would have realised if it had been sold on 1 April 1991.

If the value of your property increases or decreases due to general changes in the housing market this will not be a reason for changing your Council Tax band.

If you make improvements to your property, e.g. build an extension, which increases its value, there will be no change to the band unless you sell the property. Any change in banding will take effect from the date of sale and the new owner will be liable for the increased charge.

If you think your home is in the wrong band and you have lived in it for more than 6 months, you can only appeal if part of your home is demolished or the physical state of your local area has changed.

Who can appeal?

You can appeal against the band your property has been allocated if you are:-

• The person liable to pay the Council Tax
• The owner (or person entitled to possession) of the dwelling
• The person who would be liable if the property was not exempt from Council Tax
• The Billing Authority.

How do I appeal?

Council Tax valuation bands are set by the Valuation Office Agency. If you think your Council Tax property band is incorrect, you may be able to make an appeal to the Valuation Office Agency. A list of circumstances in which you can appeal is shown on their website.

If you wish to make an appeal against the banding of your property you should contact the Listing Officer at: -

The Valuation Office Agency
Crown House
Birch Street
Wolverhampton
WV1 4DS
Phone: (01902) 438300.

If the Listing Officer agrees that the band of your property is incorrect, it will be altered and you will be issued a new Council Tax bill to reflect the change in band.

If the Listing Officer does not agree with your proposal, or if no decision has been made within 6 months, the Listing Officer will refer the matter to the valuation tribunal. 

You must continue to pay your Council Tax whilst any appeal is pending. Failure to do so will result in recovery action being taken and you may receive a summons. If your appeal is successful all overpaid Council Tax will be refunded on request.