Council tax reclaim companies

RebaLou

Im helping a friend out of a tight spot. She was contacted by a company claiming they could lower her banding. The form was unclear and she disclosed what she knew. Its a large house but she only lives in one part. She disclosed details relating to the part she lives in (rather than all rooms). The valuation office came round and kept it at a G - based on entire house. The claim company proceeded to appeal (without authority)and the VOA have split the property, down banding the part she lives in to a E but banding the other part a B. Increasing her CT by £350 a year. To top it all the company say they have decreased and are demanding a payment of £200. She can't pay.


Concerns as follows

No Terms and conditions on their site or provided (since requested and not forthcoming!)
Unclear form - it was not a deliberate non-disclosure
She is trying to sell - the dual banding (split) could cause an issue
Company does not appear on the Ministry of Justice site
Very unprofessional emails and approach by the claims handler

I'm comfortable I can challenge, just wondered if anyone else has had dealings with this company? Details below

Thanks!

Registered office:
Council Tax Claim Back is a trading name of Homeowner Refund Limited,
registered in England and Wales Co. No.: 08148229.
Registered office at:
Unit 1C, Riparian Way, The Crossings Business Park, Cross Hills, Keighley, BD20 7AA
Telephone: +44 (0)800 083 0259 E-Mail:

CIS

I much as I dislike these companies if they have done what was agreed and reduced the band of the property she is resident in - the fact its split is now down to the VOA's decision and she needs to dispute that with them.

The agreements signed with these companies give them the authority to appeal on your behalf.

She has two real options - either pay or tell them to take her court and let the court decide as to what was agreed and what was not.

lincroft1710

If there are 2 self contained dwelling units in the property then there should be 2 CT bands.

isitchristmasyet

I contacted the ministry of justice about money savings direct (who charge a disgusting 50% PLUS vat!!) and they told me that companies such as this dont need to be regulated by them as they aren't financial claims companies. I know that sounds a bit odd (because it did for me) but its just PPI/Personal Injury ones etc that deal with financial information that you provide instead of those that just deal with in effect a signature and a council tax account number.