Valuation Tribunal Remote and Video Hearings for Council Tax

Valuation Tribunal for England hearings are normally remote, using Microsoft Teams or another online conferencing setup. You may be able to join by telephone if video is not workable. That changes the logistics but not the substance — the panel still reads your evidence, both sides still present, and the decision is just as binding.

How It Works

When your hearing is listed, the VTE sends joining instructions, typically with a video link and telephone dial-in details. You can connect from a quiet place with a reliable internet connection, or ask about joining by telephone.

The panel members appear on screen. The VOA presenting officer (for band appeals) or the council's representative (for Section 16 disputes) joins separately. The chair runs the hearing exactly as they would in person: introductions, your presentation, the other side's presentation, panel questions, and closing statements.

Most straightforward appeals take 30 to 60 minutes by video, the same as in person.

Practical Setup

Internet connection. A wired connection is more reliable than WiFi, but a stable WiFi signal works. Test it beforehand — a frozen screen during your key argument is not a good look.

Camera and microphone. A laptop's built-in camera and mic are usually fine. Position the camera at eye level so you're looking at the panel, not up at them from below.

Background. A neutral, tidy background. The panel isn't judging your décor, but visual distractions don't help your credibility.

Documents. Have your evidence bundle open on screen or printed beside you. You'll need to refer to specific pages when presenting. If sharing your screen, know how to navigate to the right document quickly.

Quiet space. Close the door. Put your phone on silent. Let other household members know when the hearing is happening. Background noise undermines your presentation — one Reddit user described their video hearing being interrupted by a delivery driver, which rattled them for the rest of the session.

Presenting on Camera

The substance is the same as in person, but the delivery shifts slightly:

Speak clearly and pause between points. Video connections introduce small delays. If you rush, the panel may miss key statements or talk over you by accident.

Look at the camera, not the screen. When making an important point, direct your gaze at the camera lens — it creates eye contact with the panel. Looking at their faces on screen makes you appear to be looking down.

Reference page numbers. You can't point to a physical document the way you would across a table. Say "on page seven of my evidence bundle" rather than "this page here."

Keep your hands visible and still. Fidgeting is more distracting on screen than in a room.

When to Request a Different Format

You can ask about a decision on written representations or apply for a face-to-face hearing. Both are subject to the tribunal's rules:

• Decision on written representations — you can ask for the tribunal to decide the case without an oral hearing, but the other side must agree and the tribunal must consider it suitable.
• Face-to-face hearing — apply with compelling reasons explaining why a remote hearing is unsuitable; the President decides whether to approve it.
• No reliable video connection — ask the VTE about joining the remote hearing by telephone.

For most standard band appeals and Section 16 disputes, video hearings work well. The panel is experienced with the format, and you avoid travel time and costs.

Our England Valuation Tribunal Appeal Guide covers remote hearing preparation, including a Hearing Day Checklist with a technology setup section and presentation guidance.

See more England guides →