Council Tax appeals and disputes

A claim for a reduction, exemption or discount has been refused

If you disagree with a decision that the Council has made regarding your application, the first stage in the disputes process is to submit a grievance directly to the Council.

You can do this by writing to us at our offices in Workington  and explain why you think the decision is wrong. This should be done as quickly as possible after we have made our decision.

You may also appeal if you consider that you are not liable to pay some or all of your Council Tax bill. Once we have considered your appeal you will be notified of the decision in writing together with the reasons for the decision. The Council has two months to consider and respond to your grievance.

Making an appeal does not allow you to withhold payment of tax owing in the meantime. If your appeal is successful you will be entitled to a refund of any overpaid tax.

What if I do not agree with the council's decision once it has responded to my grievance?

Following the outcome of your grievance you will have an additional two months to formally appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. For more information visit  the Valuation Tribunal Service's website .

You can download an appeal form from the tribunal service's site here .

You cannot appeal in the following circumstances:

• The council has set its local Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme
• Where excess CTR has been paid and you disagree with repaying the revised bill.