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Do you need to come to the hearing?

Most people present their own cases at Valuation Tribunal hearings. If you want someone to represent you, for example a solicitor, you must let the tribunal know in writing as early as possible. It is possible for someone representing you to bring to the hearing a letter signed by you, explaining they are representing you.

You must let the Valuation Tribunal know if you’re going to attend the hearing. If you haven’t asked them to hear the case without you there and you don’t attend or send a representative, your case will be struck (thrown) out.

About two weeks before the hearing, the Tribunal may ring you to see if you are attending. They may alternatively send you a reminder notice. This has a slip which you must return to the Valuation Tribunal saying if you’ll be coming to the hearing. When they know how many people will be attending, they may be able to offer you an appointment time.

Extra needs

The Valuation Tribunal will do their best to meet any extra needs you have at the hearing. They will try to make sure any assistance you may need for your sight, hearing or mobility is provided.

If you have trouble understanding English they may also be able to have an interpreter at the hearing.

You should contact the Valuation Tribunal as soon as possible to tell them if you have any extra needs. 

Who will be at the hearing

Members of the Valuation Tribunal

There will usually be three members of the Valuation Tribunal at your hearing. These are local volunteers. Although they do not have to be professionally qualified, they will have had training and are experienced in hearing appeals. One of the members will chair the meeting.

The clerk

The clerk is a paid employee of the Valuation Tribunal who will advise on procedure and law, and is responsible for writing up the tribunal’s decision.

The other party

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) or council representative will be there to present their case.

You

You can come to the hearing yourself or choose someone to speak for you, for example, a friend or a solicitor. You can also call (bring) someone with you to be a witness.

Members of the public

Tribunal hearings are open to members of the public. However, usually it is only people who are waiting for their case to be heard that are there.

The hearing can be in private if you ask the Valuation Tribunal before the hearing, but there must be a good reason for this.

• Preparing for your hearing - Council Tax appeals

• Read the tribunal’s rules on hearings in private and extraordinary venues Opens new window

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What happens at the hearing?

The hearing is as informal as possible, but it will be structured so that both you and the other party can present your cases.

The Tribunal will decide who should give their case first. If you would prefer to give your case first or second you should let the clerk know before the hearing starts.

During the hearing:

• the tribunal members will ask you and the VOA or council to give your cases
• you’ll be able to ask the VOA or council questions
• the VOA or council will be able to ask you questions
• the tribunal members can ask you and the VOA or council questions

Hearings usually last between 45 minutes and one hour. This depends on how much evidence you and the VOA or council present.

You may be asked at the end of the hearing to summarise your case (explain the main points of your case again).

• Read the tribunal’s rules on the structure of a hearing Opens new window

Receiving the decision

You will usually receive a written decision from the Valuation Tribunal within one month of the hearing, with a guidance booklet that explains the next steps. Occasionally, the tribunal may tell you its decision at the hearing.

If you disagree with the tribunal’s decision

If you disagree with the tribunal’s decision, you can only appeal through the High Court. To be successful you would have to show that the tribunal made a mistake in law. You must make your appeal within four weeks of the tribunal’s decision by completing an appeal form. If you do appeal you may wish to take legal advice as the court will charge a fee for making an appeal.

You can get copies of the appeal form from:

The Administrative Court
Royal Courts of Justice
Strand
WC2A 2LL
Phone: 020 7947 6205

• www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk Opens new window

Getting help

When you receive your notice of hearing it will contain an address and phone number for the office that is dealing with your case. You should contact them with questions about your appeal.

The Valuation Tribunal cannot give legal advice but they can explain how the appeal process works.

You can also get free advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

• Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau office Opens new window