TERMS OF USE TO COUNCIL TAX CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT

(Terms of Business)

Council Tax Legal Services Ltd

This Agreement sets out the terms on which Council Tax Legal Services Limited (“CTLS”, “we”, “us”, “our”) provides the Council Tax Consultancy Service to you (“the Client”, “you”).

By booking and paying for a consultancy session, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

1. Parties

Council Tax Legal Services Limited
 Company number: 16667408
 Registered office: 298 Old Brompton Road, London SW5 9JF
 Email: [email protected]

“You” refers to the individual or organisation seeking council tax consultancy advice.

2. The Service Provided

2.1 Preliminary Assessment (Stage 1)

Before accepting a consultancy booking, CTLS reviews the information and documents you provide to determine:

  • whether your matter appears suitable for CTLS;

  • whether CTLS can offer consultancy advice;

  • whether your issue relates to council billing, council appeals, valuation matters, or another relevant route.

The Preliminary Assessment is not legal advice.

2.2 Consultancy Session (Stage 2)

A Consultancy Session provides:

  • review of your council tax documents;

  • explanation of your circumstances;

  • guidance on possible appeal or resolution options;

  • clarification of whether the matter should follow a council route, a valuation or other route, or another appropriate process;

  • next steps you may take independently;

  • information on whether further assistance from CTLS may be appropriate.

3. What the Consultancy Service Does NOT Include

A Consultancy Session does not include:

  • drafting or sending letters to councils, valuation services, or other persons or bodies;

  • preparing a Section 16A notice or any other statutory notice;

  • preparing valuation proposals, checks, challenges, or appeals;

  • submitting appeals or correspondence on your behalf;

  • communicating with authorities or third parties on your behalf;

  • representation before a council, valuation services, a Tribunal, or any other person or body;

  • case management or ongoing conduct of a matter;

  • enforcement negotiation;

  • preparation of documents, bundles, evidence, or witness statements.

Any of the above services require a separate written agreement and may require an Authority Form.

4. No Legal Representation

A Consultancy Session provides general legal information only and does not constitute legal representation.

Nothing in this Agreement creates:

  • a solicitor–client relationship;

  • a barrister–client relationship;

  • any form of representation before a council, valuation services, a Tribunal, or any other body.

If you require CTLS to act on your behalf (for example, drafting a Section 16A letter or other correspondence, contacting authorities including councils, valuation services or other bodies, or preparing a formal appeal), this will only occur under a separate Representation & Authority Agreement and subject to separate fees.

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Fixed Fee

The consultancy service is provided for a fixed fee, which will be notified to you before booking.
 Each consultancy session requires a separate fee.

5.2 Upfront Payment

Payment must be made in full prior to the appointment.
 If payment is not received, CTLS will not confirm or provide the session.

5.3 Extended Consultations

Where CTLS considers, in its reasonable discretion, that an extended consultation or additional consultancy time is necessary due to the volume, complexity, or nature of the information provided, you will be notified. Any extended consultation will be subject to a separate arrangement and an additional fee, which must be agreed and paid in advance.

6. Cancellations, Refunds, and Rescheduling

  • No refunds are provided once a booking is confirmed.

  • You may reschedule an appointment with at least 24 hours’ notice, as agreed and arranged with CTLS.

  • If CTLS cancels the appointment, you may choose a new appointment time or receive a refund.

  • Missed or late appointments are non-refundable.

7. Client Responsibilities

You agree to:

  • provide accurate, complete, and truthful information;

  • upload or provide all relevant documents promptly;

  • ensure CTLS has all necessary details to review your matter;

  • understand that CTLS relies on the information you provide;

  • behave respectfully and professionally in all communications.

If documents or information are incomplete, CTLS may be unable to advise or may decline to proceed.

8. Right to Decline Cases

CTLS may decline to proceed with a consultancy or with further assistance if:

  • the matter falls outside CTLS’s scope (including Council Tax Reduction cases);

  • documentation is incomplete;

  • there is a conflict of interest;

  • the matter lacks legal merit;

  • the client behaves unreasonably;

  • misleading, inaccurate, incomplete, or false information is provided;

  • CTLS determines that it cannot assist.

This decision may be made at any stage.

9. Confidentiality

CTLS will treat your information confidentially and in accordance with its Privacy Notice.
 You acknowledge that email cannot be guaranteed to be fully secure and accept this risk.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

  • CTLS shall not be liable for any losses arising, whether from negligence or otherwise, from reliance on general information provided during the consultancy service;

  • CTLS shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, financial, or business losses, whether arising from negligence or otherwise;

  • CTLS shall not be responsible for delays, decisions, or outcomes caused by councils, valuation services, Tribunals, or any other third parties.

Nothing in this Agreement limits or excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, for fraud, or for any other liability which cannot be excluded by law.

11. Data Handling

Any documents you upload or provide (for example, council tax bills or notices) will be handled securely in accordance with our Privacy Notice.
 CTLS does not request or require special category personal data for consultancy purposes.

12. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights in any materials in any medium, notes, summaries, frameworks, written guidance, or other content provided by CTLS as part of the consultancy service shall remain the property of CTLS.

You are granted a personal, non-transferable, non-exclusive licence to use such materials solely for your own personal or internal purposes. You may not copy, share, reproduce, publish, distribute, adapt, or otherwise use the materials in any medium for any commercial purpose without CTLS’s prior written consent.

13. Force Majeure

CTLS shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay results from events beyond its reasonable control.

14. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions, representations, or arrangements.

15. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

16. Variation

CTLS may update these terms from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking shall apply to the consultancy session.

17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
 Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

18. Acceptance

By booking, paying for, or attending a consultancy session, you confirm that you:

  • have read and understood this Agreement;

  • agree to be bound by its terms;

  • understand the limits of the consultancy service;

  • understand that representation requires a separate written agreement.

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