Council Tax Banding

Madseller

Hi Forum

I hope someone might be able to help me with the following.

A few months back my family and I moved to a new property which we are renting. The property was a "tea Rooms" with a flat and bedrooms above but was converted to a cottage. I was told prior to my move (by the Council) that I would be under band C. I got a bill through from them and sure enough I was classified as a band C.

Today I received a new bill from the council saying that I am under a band G - my council tax has in effect doubled.

Can they do this - it seems so unfair to just double your bill like that when I have budgeted for it in my move. To be honest we might well have negotiated a better rental on the property or not taken it at all given the cost of the Council Tax.

Any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

lincroft1710

The tearooms would have been subject to non domestic rates and the flat would be subject to council tax. You probably moved in before the reassessment of the former tea rooms as living accommodation and so the CT band was not correct.

The Band G now reflects the whole property as a dwelling. Because living accommodation attached to commercial premises is valued lower than stand alone living accom, this probably accounts for the large increase.

You should have had a notice from either the VOA (Eng and Wales) or the Assessor (Scot) informing you of the band change prior to receiving a new bill. It is worth ringing the relevant body to discuss the increase and decide whether or not you want to appeal against the increase.