Council Tax undervaluation in 1991..!?

Muck165

I moved into a new property a month ago which had been renovated (but not extended at all) by a private developer. Renovation was both decorative and structural.

The council came to check that we are in the correct council tax banding - they have moved us from a Band D to a Band F.

The lady at the VOA has told me that her primary reason for the upgrade was not the effect of the renovation (although this had some impact), but her view that the house was not correctly banded in 1991. She thought the property was undervalued by at approx 15%. Does anyone know if this is justifiable...? surely all appropriate checks would have been made when the property was initially banded, wouldn't they?

My checks so far show that an absolutely identical house two doors up (apart from the internal renovations) is a band D.

I would really appreciate any comment and help people can give regarding this, and the appeal I intend to make.

Apologies - I am a first time user so am unsure if positng a new thread for this was the right thing to do or not.

lincroft1710

Yes it is perfectly within the law relating to Council Tax to increase a dwelling's band if VOA consider it was underbanded at start of CT. The bands of a small minority of dwellings were checked prior to Valuation List (official name for CT list) coming into force on 1 April 1993. The other Band D house may also be underbanded. If you make an appeal you will at least be able to see sales evidence which VOA have used to reband your home. Without knowing this it's difficult to rate your chances of success. You don't have to make a case at the moment, just fill in appeal form, saying you consider increase is unjustified and original band should be reinstated.

Adrian_Hallett

I also am due a re-valuation on an improved property which I am unhappy about. Do they really have the right to come and inspect my home or can I refuse them entry?

lincroft1710

You are within your right to refuse entry, BUT VOA will simply increase the band to what they believe it should be, which will in fact probably be too high, as they are having to guestimate. You will then have to pay increased CT and although you will have a right to appeal against new band, you will have to pay increased amount until it is settled. If the appeal goes to Tribunal, they will doubtless insist VOA inspects your home. SO - back to square one, you'll have to let them in.