Council tax question

Scarlets_mum

We moved a few months ago and apparently were sent a letter from the council wanting to confirm our accomodation for council tax purposes. We didn't receive the letter. Today I came home with a note through the door apparently from the council stating that they called round to access the accomodation for tax purposes. My question is, can they just turn up at your door and gain access and wander around the house. I don't feel happy about this. We are planning on improving the house, but it is at the moment in a poor state. Are they within their rights to just increase the tax band that the house falls into? Any information gratefully received. Thanks for your help.

Nessynoo

They were probably just checking if the property was occupied. They probably dont need to come in. The VOA do the bandings. Give Ctax a call tomorrow to let them know you are resident. You may need to put it in writing.

Rikki

Sometimes they do call round to fill the forms in. It's been mentioned on here before.

It happened to me a few years ago and I've lived here for many years before that.

lincroft1710

Unless you live in Scotland, council do not determine the CT band, that is done by the Valuation Office Agency. The band cannot be increased on account of work or improvements you carry out, but can be increased if it does not reflect any work/improvements carried out by previous occupier(s).

If you do not allow access to your home the band will be estimated, over rather than under, so you appeal against band and the subsequent Tribunal will insist you allow access so they can correctly rule on your case.

CIS

The VO have a right to access the property with sufficent notice but if its simply a case that a Council Tax inspector has visited then you dont have to let them in (unless you want to claim a council tax exemption that requires that they see the inside of the property) - all they need to know is who is resident and since what date.