Council Tax increase

antrobus

BillyWilly wrote: »

....

I requested a reassessment offering evidence which was unfortunately turned down with no evidence and was advised I couldn't appeal.

Could anyone offer some advise as to where to go from here as the letter I received from the VOA was in all honesty, rude?

Valuation Tribunal

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/homeandcommunity/yourlocalcouncilandcounciltax/counciltax/dg_10037424

BillyWilly_2

Thanks for that antrobus, any ideas on how I should express my explanation to increase my chances of success?

I have checked all the similar sized houses down our street (built around the same time) and the majority are in the band lower. The only one that is in the same band is approx. 500sq/ft bigger.

lincroft1710

TheManwiththeStick wrote: »

and what my rights are here.

If you live alone you have the right to have a 25% SPD and the council has a duty to ensure that those not entitled to the discount do not receive it, and thus have the right to satisfy themselves that the discount is justified.

I really don't want council officials turning up at my house for a snoop through my home

Council Revenues staff don't have time to "snoop" through people's homes

or subjecting me to a Spanish Inquisition.

No one expects the Spanish Inquisition. Our two weapons are...

Or am I over-reacting

Yes!!!!

Councils will periodically check entitlement to SPD. Nothing sinister and nothing to worry about, unless you have something to hide...bodies under the patio? cannabis farm in the attic?

lincroft1710

BillyWilly wrote: »

Thanks for that antrobus, any ideas on how I should express my explanation to increase my chances of success?

I have checked all the similar sized houses down our street (built around the same time) and the majority are in the band lower. The only one that is in the same band is approx. 500sq/ft bigger.

Unless you made a formal proposal, you cannot appeal to the VT. The VOA's response suggests you did not make a formal proposal.

BillyWilly_2

Hi yes I did make a formal proposal and received a letter back dismissing my request for a rethink.

McKneff

Has anyone actually looked at the date on the original post????

TheManwiththeStick

Thanks lincroft.

I phoned the council earlier today and (after spending half an hour on hold) it turns out that they just required verbal confirmation and didn't need to re-arrange the visit. Not at all impressed by the amount of time kept on hold, but clearly they don't have time to answer all their calls promptly, never mind go snooping. But all's well that ends well, and I understand that the council need to check/remind people that they're claiming a discount.

@McKneff - I know it's an old thread, but the 'Visit here first' sticky links to this thread as the 'council tax discussion area'. I wasn't sure if I'd get a response, but I thought forum etiquette required that I ask here first rather than creating a new thread all of my own, especially as I post here so rarely.

mutley7777

If refuse collection is included in my Council Tax, why do i have to pay an additional fee to the Management Company for refuse collection?

As far as i am aware this happens in all privately owned flats.

You end up paying twice for the same thing, can anyone explain?

CIS

If refuse collection is included in my Council Tax, why do i have to pay an additional fee to the Management Company for refuse collection?

Council Tax doesn't pay for a particular service - it goes in to the funds for the council out of which the council then spends it on whatever services are required.

If the management company charge a fee then you need to speak with them about it.