Council Tax Info

Newbe_3

I followed Martin's tips about possible cashback on the council tax. Our property Band is the same now as it was in 1991 so don't think we can make any savings or get cash back that way but whilst looking at the other neighbours bands, in our crescent we are all Band B except 4 properties who are A's when the buildings are all very similiar. I would like some advice on whether I should contact my local council about this as these 4 properties are on a lower band than the rest of us. I don't want the other 4 properties to end up paying the difference over so many years as the council realise their mistake and then we end up not talking as neighbours. I want to know whether the council can change our bandings to A as well and whether we'd get a rebate? All our properties are very similiar except ours is a corner property and has more room, hence previous owners put an extension at the side and we have a larger garden. But the last house also is a corner house and has the same amount of room but hasn't done the extension but they are a band A. I would be very grateful for some good solid advice on this before I contact the council and end up making it worse for us and the neighbours. Thanks....

christineperseus

It's a toss up.They could put you down or the others up.
If you bring it to their attention they have to do something.
I appealed successfully and got my banding reduced - unfortunately they put my neighbours up.
It is most unfair that by appealing you can change the banding of another property.

Techno

Your new banding (like the old one) is based on what your house is worth so I would think you would expect to get more for your house because of your extension therefore your house is probably worth more than the house on the other corner hence more council tax. If your other neighbours who are on a B have also improved their houses then they will also pay more - if they haven't they may have a case. In some ways this is why the poll tax was fairer - more people in the house - more services used - higher contribution to the communal purse irrespective of what your house is worth although those with larger families will probably disagree!!!