Council tax bands, charges and appeals

You should tell us immediately if you think that your council tax bill is wrong, for example:

• The bills are in the name of the wrong person.
• Your home should not be charged council tax.
• You should be entitled to a discount or exemption.
• You should not be subject to an increased charge (for a second home or empty dwelling).
• The council has not reduced the bill even though a disabled person lives there.

In lodging an appeal you must state the grounds under which you are doing so. You cannot appeal because you think that the charge is unfair, only if you think it is wrong.

Appeals should be addressed to Chief Officer (Finance), Chief Executive’s Office, Civic Centre, Motherwell, ML1 1AB

We have two months from the date of first contact about the matter to deal with your appeal. In most cases we will contact you well within this time limit to discuss the matter, seek clarification or further information and explain our decision.

If we do not respond to your appeal within a two-month time limit, or you are unhappy about our decision, in line with Section 81 (4) of the Local Government Finance  Act 1992, you may wish to lodge a formal appeal against our decision.

Such an appeal should be made to the Local Taxation Chamber of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. Full guidance and access to an appeal form are available at the Local Taxation Chamber website.

Please note that you have four months from the date of your most recent correspondence to this office on the matter in which to submit your appeal.

Your payment should not be delayed and should be made in line with your most recent council tax notice, pending the outcome of any appeal or enquiry.