1. Confirm the registered band
Check your exact property on the official register. For a flat, make sure you have selected the right unit. Keep your Council Tax bill to hand and note any mismatch between the bill and the register.
These instructions concern England and Wales. Scotland uses local assessors. Northern Ireland has domestic rates instead of Council Tax bands.
2. Gather evidence that is relevant to the valuation
In England the valuation date is 1 April 1991; in Wales it is 1 April 2003. Relevant evidence might include genuinely comparable properties or appropriate historical sales information. A neighbour’s lower band is a reason to investigate, rather than proof on its own.
Location, age, size and property type matter when deciding whether homes are comparable. A current online asking price or general house-price estimate is not a substitute for suitable valuation evidence.
3. Follow the official challenge service
Use GOV.UK’s challenge guidance. It explains whether you have a legal right to challenge or can request a review, and what information is required for each route. Check any time limits that apply to your circumstances.
You do not need to pay an agent to use the official process. If you choose an agent, understand the fees and contract first.
4. Understand the possible outcomes
The announced £100 payment is not a reason to seek a change without evidence. Do not assume a successful review will automatically qualify you for that payment: reference dates and detailed eligibility rules have not yet been confirmed.