Council Tax Band - Help needed to challenge a decision

charleeboo

Hi All. I challenged my Council Tax band; wanted to lower it from a band c to a band b. The reasons being - I live in an area with a bad reputation (driving down house prices), a house on the same street with similar characteristics in 1991 was value of those in band a and other houses on street are in band b.
My house is classed as a 3 bedroomed, semi-detatched townhouse.
They refused to alter my band as they have compared it with the same (not similar) sort of property in 1991. The property they comapred it with is in a better, quieter location.
They also told me the houses on my street in band b only have 2 bedrooms. They have the exact same layout as myself (there is a "bedroom" as soon as you open the door. They private rent and this was described as a study, but they still use it as a bedroom. They also have ensuite bathrooms, driving the value up).
How do I go about appealing their decision? Where can I get the best help to do this?

t0rt0ise

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/YourlocalcouncilandCouncilTax/CouncilTax/DG_10037424

Try the CAB for advice and assistance.

lincroft1710

I presume you have lived in the property for more than 6 months. If so, there is little you can do if the VOA have already said no. If you have lived in the house for less than 6 months you do have the right to make an appeal as detailed in the link in t0rt0ise's post.