Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language
Today, I am pleased to publish a summary of responses received to the Welsh Government’s consultation on proposed changes to the council tax appeals framework. I confirm that we will move forward with the proposed improvements, given the positive views received.
The consultation launched on 10 January 2025 and closed on 3 April 2025, to which we received 33 responses, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank individuals, stakeholders and organisations who took the time to consider and respond to this consultation in detail. A summary of responses to the consultation is available here: Consultation on proposed changes to the Council Tax proposals and appeals system: summary of responses
The Welsh Government remains committed to our aim of making council tax fairer, and one strand of this work is to improve the appeals process so that it is streamlined, more effective and easier for taxpayers to navigate. The changes focus on making the steps in the process clearer between the responsibilities of the Valuation Office Agency and the Valuation Tribunal for Wales, empowering council taxpayers to choose how far along the process they wish to proceed, more property data shared with taxpayers earlier in the process and an improved customer journey.
I will bring forward Regulations in due course to give effect to these improvements and it is my intention changes will come into force by February 2026.