Council Tax - appeals

What to do if you disagree with a decision

If you think our decision is wrong you can ask us to explain it or look at it again. You can also make an appeal to an independent tribunal.

If you appeal against a decision and we believe, after reconsideration, that our decision was correct, then the appeal must go to an appeal tribunal to be heard.

We will write a submission setting out the facts of the case and including copies of all relevant papers. The submission and the papers will be copied to you and any representative.

We also send you an enquiry form (TAS1) which the you must return to the Appeals Service within 14 days. If you do not return the TAS1 form, then the appeal may be ‘struck out’ and the appeal process will terminate.

Further information is available at the Greater Manchester Benefits website.

You can ask for an explanation

• By telephoning us
• Writing to us
• Calling in to your local Council Customer Service Centre.

We will explain how we have made our decision and what information was used. If we explain in writing, this is known as a statement of reasons.

If you are not satisfied with the explanation, you can ask us to look at the decision again. You must let us know within one calendar month of the date of the decision letter.

When you ask us to look at it again we will check that the decision is correct.

If it is wrong, we will change it. If the decision can be changed

• We will send you a letter telling you what our new decision is.
• If you do not agree with this new decision, you can ask us to look at it again.

If the decision cannot be changed

• We will send you a letter telling you that we cannot change the decision. The letter will confirm our original decision and will tell you if you can appeal against it.
• If you appeal, the one calendar month time limit starts again from the date of the letter telling you that the decision cannot be changed.

Still not happy and want to appeal?

If, after we have explained our decision, you still think it is wrong, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. You should appeal, in writing, giving full reasons for your appeal. You can either write to us directly or complete a disputed decision form.

We can send you one of these forms if you phone us or you can call into your local Council Customer Service Centre and pick one up.

If you need help in appealing you can contact

• The Council's Advice Service on 01706 865371 or
• A Citizens Advice Bureau or a Law Centre.

The time limit for appeals is one calendar month from the date of the decision letter, or one calendar month from the date of the letter telling you that the decision cannot be changed.

Late appeals

If your appeal is made after one calendar month, you must say why it is late. Late appeals can only be accepted in special circumstances, and cannot be accepted if made 13 months or more after the date of the decision letter.

If you have a change in your circumstances you should tell us straight away.

New rules state that you must tell us within one calendar month of the change happening, or you may lose benefit.

We can extend the time limit, but only if there are special circumstances.