Council Tax Cost Cutting: reduce your band and grab any discounts Discussion Area

lincroft1710

Recent selling prices aren't much help in trying to determine 1991 sale prices. I would try to find out more about the bungalow which has a lower band. If it is exactly the same as yours and its band was reduced it is worthwhile pursuing. If not you will have to find other similar size bungalows nearby which are in a lower band.

Graham_&_Nicola

Hello - I've reported this "success" on the other forum thread, but wondered if anyone can help with the question in red below:

---

A couple of calls and two letters confirmed the revaluation - we are now Band E. This goes back to 1993 and hopefully we will get a large sum back.

Does anybody know if this includes interest on the monies that we overpaid? After all we could have put our overpayments into savings, etc (although of course not in the recent past!!)

Thanks everyone for the help on the forums, especially this one.

a_confused_mum

just tried to do this but it looks like 1 of the neighbours did this a few years ago as the street {or most of the houses in the street} have now been rebanded.

anokhi

Hi! I'm just wondering how council tax re-banding might work for a new-build property? We seem to be paying excessive levels for our flat (banded F) - however the neighbour check reveals we're all paying the same - obviously due to the fact it's new build and we've been banded together at the same time. How are 1991 property values worked out for a property that's brand new?! We live in an area that in 1991 was dirt cheap but is now quite fashionable Any advice would be appreciated! Don't want to challenge it if there's a chance it could go up even more!!!

lincroft1710

anokhi - with any property built after 1991 comparisons are made with properties of a similar size, style and type in the vicinity which sold in 1991. Many 21st century apartment blocks are better built, more attractive and individual apartments may be better fitted out/equipped and have such features as en suites which you won't always find in pre 91 apts.

Look at bands of older blocks nearby, if they are one or two bands lower than yours for a similar size apt, it's worth checking with VOA that your band is correct.

Smurfee_2

Council Tax bands are based on a 'market rate' as of 1991 - that basically means what it would sell for in 1991 if there was a boyant market and it was in reasonable condition etc....

There are alot of companies out there that state they can lower your band and take a cut DO NOT USE THESE COMPANIES....they can not guarentee a lower band. It is all up to the Valuation Office Agency and as previously said a band can go up as well as down. It is a BIG RISK. You would be better off looking at the Valuation Office Agency website which will give you the low down.

The Councils have nothing to do with the banding of the properties - so dont pester them. They just work on the bandings they have been given.

You'd be better off investigating if you are entitled to any reduction such as discounts, exemptions or even a second adult rebate or benefit - this your Council can help with.

Just be wary of trying to lower your band as it can backfire on you.

theloft

I have just been rebanded to a lower grade. Can anyone tell me if this is back-dated to previous years for Council Tax Refund or is it just the year you get it ?

cepheus

I understand it should be backdated to when you moved in or Council tax started in 1993

lincroft1710

The new band will have an effective date attached to it which will be stated on the paperwork you receive from VOA. If the effective date is earlier than the date you first occupied the property, the previous occupier(s) is/are also entitled to a refund of any overpayment.

keiran

Hi

A very quick summary

I challenged my Council Tax banding in 2001. This was taken to the Tribunal, who rejected it

On every measure, I believe the banding to be wrong (I won't bore you with all the details). However, the Tribunal seemed to be keen to rubber stamp what the Listing officer had to say.

Around the same time in 2001 I moved to another city and rented out my property. As I was no longer liable for the Council tax, I did not pursue matters at that point

Two years ago, I returned to the property and I am, of course, keen to ensure that the Valuation Office has correct banding/information . I am told that I cannot make any representation as the property has been the subject of a Tribunal in 2001. I realise that I MAY have had a chance if I'd asked within 6 months of moving back

I am convinced that had I asked for review more recently, I would have been successful as the system is more "geared up" to dealing with these requests (thanks to websites such as this, etc etc)

Please can any one advise me of any way I could now take this forward?

thanks in advance