What We Don’t Do

Discretionary decisions of the council – Local authorities have various powers to make discretionary decisions in respect of the council tax and rates that they charge. These include the amount they set for each council tax band, the level of discount they allow when a property is empty and the levying of supplementary rates for businesses. As these are decision made by the full council, it might be possible to discuss such matters with your local councillors, whose details will be available on your council’s website. The only statutory avenue open to challenge such decisions of the council would be through the process known as ‘judicial review’ where the High Court is asked to consider whether the authority has acted within its legal powers. These discretionary decisions cannot be appealed to the Valuation Tribunal.

Lease/Rent disputes – The Valuation Tribunal has no jurisdiction to deal with disputes between landlords and tenants. If you are in dispute with your landlord regarding your rent, or wish to obtain advice about extending your lease or purchasing the freehold on your property, the Rent Assessment Panel may be able to help. (www.rpts.gov.uk).

Paying your council tax bill - The Valuation Tribunal can only deal with appeals made against the decision of the council that you are liable to pay council tax, or against their calculation of the amount that you should pay. We are not involved with the collection of rates or council tax and cannot deal with disputes regarding any rebates or benefits to which you might be entitled because of your financial circumstances. If you wish to discuss paying these bills, or are experiencing financial hardship which is making it difficult to pay the amount demanded, you should contact the council concerned, which can advise you on any discounts/exemptions/rebates/benefits that might be available and discuss payment methods with you.

Paying your business rates bill – The Valuation Tribunal has no jurisdiction to consider disputes regarding the council decisions as to your liability to pay business rates. If you are in dispute with the council about this then, unless the matter can be resolved by discussion with the council, it will need to be considered by the Magistrates Court, if and when the council pursue recovery action against you to this stage.

Property Compensation - The Valuation Tribunal is not involved with issues that people may have where they feel their property has been adversely affected by the actions of a statutory organisation, such as the council or government department. Such issues should firstly be raised with the organisation concerned and, if further advice is required, the Lands Tribunal, which deals with appeals in respect of such matters as ‘planning blight’. (www.landstribunal.gov.uk)

Valuation – The Valuation Tribunal can only deal with council tax and rating appeals that are made to us. We do not carry out independent valuations of any description. If you are looking to have your property valued you might find that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which is the professional body representing property surveyors, can help in advising you on surveyors and valuers operating in your area (www.rics.org). If you are looking to have other items valued, the auctioneers’ organisation can inform you where your nearest auction house is located and these can normally advise you on obtaining valuations. www.ukauctioneers.com