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

Babsiebaby882

Good evening. I have completed the first stage of my attempt to get my council tax re-banded. I have received a letter now stating that I am out of the time limit (I have been in my property in Ayrshire, Scotland since Oct 06) but that I can appeal this decision within 4 weeks of the date of the letter.
Would anyone be able to provide me with an example of an appeal letter? It would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance

lincroft1710

Babsiebaby882 wrote: »

Would anyone be able to provide me with an example of an appeal letter?

As you have lived in your home for well over 6 months, I cannot see there is any way you can appeal the fact that you are out of time.

Despite this the Assessor should still check your CT band and reduce it if it is too high.

willmow

Been in our house since 1986, and have reason to believe we may have grounds for applying for a re-band based on the value back in 1991. However, we've just now added a swanky new kitchen extension and are planning a loft conversion - does this thwart our re-banding attempt?

lincroft1710

willmow wrote: »

However, we've just now added a swanky new kitchen extension and are planning a loft conversion - does this thwart our re-banding attempt?

This was a moot point when I worked in the VOA and I don't know the answer. CT law says that a band cannot be increased on account of post 1 Apr 93 by current owner, afaik it does not mention what happens when seeking a reduction.

I would see how it goes and if the kitchen extension is used as a reason for not giving a reduction ask them to state which part of CT legislation allows this.

willmow

This was a moot point when I worked in the VOA and I don't know the answer. CT law says that a band cannot be increased on account of post 1 Apr 93 by current owner, afaik it does not mention what happens when seeking a reduction.

I would see how it goes and if the kitchen extension is used as a reason for not giving a reduction ask them to state which part of CT legislation allows this.

I have reasons for not wanting the council to come a-snooping round here, so I think I may just not go ahead right now....

lincroft1710

willmow wrote: »

I have reasons for not wanting the council to come a-snooping round here, so I think I may just not go ahead right now....

It's not the council, it's the VOA (Eng and Wales) or Assessor (Scot)

ellie27

Babsiebaby882 wrote: »

Good evening. I have completed the first stage of my attempt to get my council tax re-banded. I have received a letter now stating that I am out of the time limit (I have been in my property in Ayrshire, Scotland since Oct 06) but that I can appeal this decision within 4 weeks of the date of the letter.
Would anyone be able to provide me with an example of an appeal letter? It would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance

I think the Scottish Assessors site says you must claim within 6 months of moving into the property, however I put in the online claim on the saa.gov site and we were successful. We moved into the property in November 2007.

Sponge

If someone applied to be rebanded (down), but was refused, then moved house a year or so later, for the new owner to then apply and be successful - do you think the old owner has grounds to complain/appeal and seek a refund?

lincroft1710

Sponge wrote: »

If someone applied to be rebanded (down), but was refused, then moved house a year or so later, for the new owner to then apply and be successful - do you think the old owner has grounds to complain/appeal and seek a refund?

They cannot appeal as they are not the current taxpayer and in any case the band has already been reduced. They can "complain", but what do they expect they will achieve? They won't get any compensation.

However, the good news is that the council will refund any overpayment of CT, so they should contact the council and ask for a refund.

Chip140

My house was built in 2000 and is one of only 5 four bed corner plot houses on an estate of 200+. All 5 houses are in band F so it fails on the "neighbour check". However it passes on the "1991 valuation check" based on the purchase histories (see below).
Based on this information is it worth having my house reassessed by the VOA?

Purchase histories (a = my house):
a: Apr 2004 = £250,000 - 1991 price = 88,653 - Band E
Mar 2000 = £150,000 - 1991 price = 104,725 - Band E
b: Feb 2000 = £154,000 - 1991 price = 115,106 - Band E
c: Dec 2001 = £140,000 - 1991 price = 80,607 - Band D
Sep 1998 = £130,000 - 1991 price = 110,168 - Band E
d: Jun 1998 = £138,000 - 1991 price = 121,066 - Band F
e: Nov 1999 = £150,000 - 1991 price = 111,332 - Band E
**Aug 2010 = £322,000 - 1991 price = 102, 039 - Band E***
** Extended over garage so now a 5 bed house.