Council Tax Rebate Refused

ericmwatson

Last year I followed up everything that Martin suggested about reducing the band of Council Tax, I am 'E' all other properties around me are 'D'.

I was refused without a chance to apply again.

I have now been approached by Solicitors "Randall & Vickers" who say that even if you have been refused they 'may' be able to do the deed for you.

Only one snag they want 25% + Vat (28.5%) of the possible refund.

I look at it this way, if I have been refused already, what have I to loose?

Any thoughts?

CIS

If you are able to appeal and win you get 100% of the money rather than the 75% you would get using this company who are doing nothing that you wont be able to do yourself.

lincroft1710

During the 1990s many "cowboy" rating companies doorstepped a large number of businesses, claiming they could secure business rate reductions and charging upfront fee. Or they would claim to act for a business and seek reduction without business owner knowing this was happening (this practice is no longer permitted). Most were unsuccessful, very often didn't pursue matters and when successful received the same reduction for their client as their client could have obtained for himself with minimal effort. There were/are genuine, professional agents who do not usually approach possible clients and only submit bill when work is done.

Solicitors normally know little about CT, I've had to explain quite a few intricacies of CT law to them in the past. They will possibly try to fabricate a dubious reason to make what they hope will be accepted as a valid proposal.

You're a little bit vague on what they will charge, is this 25% (+VAT) of the refund of overpaid money or of the difference between Band D and E for a year. Are you certain this is a no win no fee basis. Bearing in mind if they were able to make a valid proposal and it went to a tribunal, that alone could be 3 hours (travelling, waiting, hearing) or more of their time, so they may not be making much profit if any.

I would be interested to learn how they intend to accomplish what you couldn't. Whatever you do, under no circumstances pay any money up front, sign up to any "insurance scheme", sign anything without reading at least twice thoroughly, or enter into any contract where you pay any money even if they don't obtain reduction. And make sure you know exactly how much they expect you to pay if they do obtain reduction.

lincroft1710

I think I know the route they're trying to take. If the Valuation Tribunal (the independent body which hears appeals where VOA and taxpayers can't agree) which would deal with appeals in your area, has issued a decision on an appeal which you believe would be relevant to your situation, then within 6 months of that decision you have the right to make an appeal quoting that decision.

I emphasise the word "relevant". It would not be relevant if decision referred to a 3 bedroom detached bungalow being reduced to Band D if you've got a 4 bed terrace house. Nor would it be any use if it referred to a 4 bed terrace house being reduced to Band E, if you're already in Band E. Nor if it relateed to a band reduction given for being next to a pub when you're not next to a pub. Nor if it relates to a property in Weatherfield, when you're in Walford, 40 miles away.

When I was in VOA and we had an invalid appeal being heard at Valuation Tribunal, clerk to VT, realising taxpayer's appeal clearly invalid, suggested that taxpayer made an appeal quoting relevant VT decision. We both looked at decisions for past 6 months (not many admittedly), but couldn't find a single one relevant to taxpayer's circumstances.

Tommy24

I have been unhappy about my council tax for a while now as 2 of my neighbours were in a lower band and yet they have the same house. I tried this myself about 3 years ago through the voa website, but they wrote back to me saying that I was in the right band and that I had no right of appeal. However, I went through Randall & Vickers a couple of months ago and they were successful. I'm not sure how they did it but either way I was very happy. I also felt their fee was reasonable because this is money that I wouldn't have got myself so I certainly didn't mind paying them. By the way, it was completely no win no fee with no payment upfront and they don't try and charge me for future savings like I beleive some companies will do for business rates. I would agree with the above post though - don't pay anything upfront for this sort of thing and make sure you check any contract carefully before you sign.

ChrispyDuck

Spamulike?

lincroft1710

QUOTE by Tommy 24

I have been unhappy about my council tax for a while now as 2 of my neighbours were in a lower band and yet they have the same house. I tried this myself about 3 years ago through the voa website, but they wrote back to me saying that I was in the right band and that I had no right of appeal. However, I went through Randall & Vickers a couple of months ago and they were successful. I'm not sure how they did it but either way I was very happy. I also felt their fee was reasonable because this is money that I wouldn't have got myself so I certainly didn't mind paying them. By the way, it was completely no win no fee with no payment upfront and they don't try and charge me for future savings like I beleive some companies will do for business rates. I would agree with the above post though - don't pay anything upfront for this sort of thing and make sure you check any contract carefully before you sign.

I'd ask them for at least half their fee back for this perfectly scripted ad

ericmwatson

Thanks for the genuine replies, I'll do some extra research before jumping in with both feet.

jardinier_2

Thanks for the information about R&V. They have done a mail shot in my area that includes a questionnaire. On the basis of what I've read today I think I'll give it a shot. I'll report back in the fullness of time.

anamenottaken

jardinier wrote: »

Thanks for the information about R&V. They have done a mail shot in my area that includes a questionnaire. On the basis of what I've read today I think I'll give it a shot. I'll report back in the fullness of time.

Mailshot to our area this week.
The questionnaire is for a free review but also at the end includes authorisation of their taking it to the Council without further contact with you and your agreement to paying for the service if you get a refund.

As soon as you post the signed questionnaire for the free review, it's out of your control.

moneybags50

Tommy24 wrote: »

I have been unhappy about my council tax for a while now as 2 of my neighbours were in a lower band and yet they have the same house. I tried this myself about 3 years ago through the voa website, but they wrote back to me saying that I was in the right band and that I had no right of appeal. However, I went through Randall & Vickers a couple of months ago and they were successful. I'm not sure how they did it but either way I was very happy. I also felt their fee was reasonable because this is money that I wouldn't have got myself so I certainly didn't mind paying them. By the way, it was completely no win no fee with no payment upfront and they don't try and charge me for future savings like I beleive some companies will do for business rates. I would agree with the above post though - don't pay anything upfront for this sort of thing and make sure you check any contract carefully before you sign.

My next door neighbour and myself have had letters from the above
and are thinking of replying. Going by your post I assume they are reputable and no catches other than the fee they quote ?