Council Tax Banding Challenge Rejected - What now?

Ruddmeister

Hello all

I have tried searching and can't find anything exactly the same.

My case seemed clear cut;-

A neighbour (he's Nr14 i'm at Nr26 diagonally opposite) challenged his banding several years ago and got reduced from from a band E to a band D, this was as a result of a Code V – Valuation Tribunal determination.

This is a new estate built in 2000 and 2001 (I was the first owner) the neighbours property is larger than mine (extra reception room, detatched garage etc) purchase cost for Nr14 in Nov 2001 was £135k whereas mine was £117k (Oct 2000).

I did a second check using the nationwide building society calculator which came up with a 1991 value of £78k (which is also band D i.e, £68 to £88k not E £88 to £120k))

Neither property has been changed or extended except I added a Conservatory 2 years ago (rough cost £10k).

I put all this in a letter to the VOA and got a 2 page reply from the VOA officer stating
- (in broad terms) about regional variance and geographical difference meaning the Nationwide Argument was not valid.
- It appears the only reason given for my band not being decreased is the addition of the Conservatory

The whole letter seems very non-specific, not impressed at all

The VOA officer also states have no right to appeal her decision.

Any advice welcome on what I can do now???

lincroft1710

Having just checked VOA website (in case circumstances have changed since I worked at VOA), as the conservatory was added by yourself after 1 Apr 1993, it cannot be reflected in valuation (unless you are in Wales, when date would be 1 Apr 2005). I would go back to VOA and state this fact. Also if it has not been mentioned in their letter I would further ask VOA what is the difference in size between Nos. 14 and 26. I cannot remember by what percentage house prices increased Oct 2000 - Nov 2001, but there may be less price differential between the 2 houses than you think.

If you still get no joy, you could contact Group Customer Service Manager, name/address on VOA website.