Housing benefit
Appealing a decision
If you think we have worked out your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction incorrectly and want us to look at it again you can contact us to ask for an explanation. We will explain how we made the decision and what information was used.
How do I appeal a housing benefit decision?
The first stage is for us to reconsider the decision we have made. You need to do this in writing within one month from the date of the decision.
You can contact us by:
- Email: benefits@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
- Post: Revenues and Benefits, PO Box 187, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH34 9DB
Alternatively, you could bring it in to one of our customer service centres.
What happens next?
Someone new will look at your claim and look at how we made the decision and what information was used. We will write to you with an explanation.
What if I still disagree with the decision?
If you still disagree with the explanation you can appeal the decision. The appeal must be in writing, signed and sent to us at the above address or emailed to TSCappealsandcomplaints@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk within one month from the date of the decision.
You must say what decision you are appealing and full reasons why you consider the decision to be wrong, as well as giving your name, address and those of your representative if you have one.
We will send your appeal to the Independent Tribunal Service who will then contact you on receipt of the appeal documents.
Late appeals
If you appeal after one month, you need to tell us why it is late. Late appeals are only accepted in special circumstances. We cannot accept appeals if they are made 13 months after the date of the decision letter. We can choose to extend the time limit, but only if there are special circumstances.
How do I appeal a Council Tax reduction decision?
The first stage is for us to reconsider the decision we have made. You need to do this in writing within one month from the date of the decision.
You can contact us by:
- Email: benefits@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
- Post: Revenues and Benefits, PO Box 187, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH34 9DB
Alternatively, you could bring it in to one of our customer service centres.
What happens next?
Someone new will look at your claim and look at how we made the decision and what information was used. We will write to you with an explanation.
What if I still disagree with the decision?
If you do not understand or disagree with the explanation of how the scheme has been applied in working out your council tax bill, you can appeal the decision.
In order to appeal a Council Tax reduction (CTR) decision, you must appeal directly to the Valuation Tribunal (VT).
- By phone: 0303 445 8100
- By email: appeals@valuationtribunal.gov.uk
- Valuation Tribunal website
If you wish to appeal to the VT, you must contact them directly within two months of the date of our decision and include the copy of our decision with your appeal form. If we do not respond within two months, you can appeal directly to the VT provided no more than four months have passed since you requested your reconsideration.
Please note that the VT cannot hear appeals about what is in our scheme, only about the way the scheme has been applied in your case.
The VT have determined that they do not have jurisdiction over excess Council Tax reduction (also known as overpayments) appeals as excess CTR is recoverable within the scheme however caused.
As the decision whether to accept your appeal lies with the VT and not us, you can still explore your appeal options with the VT directly. However please be aware that any appeals related to excess CTR will not be accepted by the VT.
Should you still wish to dispute a decision regarding excess CTR, the only alternative route available is to apply for discretionary relief through our discretionary hardship payment scheme.
