Council tax banding rip-off

foxyruby

vivatifosi wrote: »

That's a good idea. As you are currently in the 6 month window of a change, you have a right to go to tribunal if you disagree, rather than being only able to appeal to the VOA. Make sure that the houses are as similar as possible though.

The VOA disagreed with my selection when I did this (though I then backed up with 1991 evidence), however thankfully the VTS took my side.

In short, you may still need to do the long exercise, but it will quickly get you to a point where you know whether or not it is worth it.

That's really useful, thank you. Can I ask how you got your evidence? Was it through 1991 local newspaper archives, or did you find another way?

foxyruby

Twiggy_34 wrote: »

This is just one of the bullets, and is taken from http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/_downloads/pdf/VO7858_understanding_ct.pdf

I genuinely understand your frustration, and don't doubt it's worth some effort to see if you can put forward a valid appeal. It's certainly a shame that the you weren't aware of the potential band change at the time of purchasing the property. If there was no actual extension but was an attic conversion, I would personally start with contesting it based on the point I've copied in above. But it's fair to say that a 4 bedroom property can easily be valued at more than a 2 bedroom property of the same exterior proportions.

Here's another hopefully useful quote from the leaflet, this simplified explanation later on in the leaflet states:


I've been on the opposite end when I rented a 1 bed flat (3 rooms in total) and discovered it was on a higher band than the larger 2 bed flat above. I appealed and they were happy to reduce the banding based on the evidence provided.

The leaflet is certainly worth a read to see if you can find enough information to support an appeal. Good luck!

Oh, and sorry for your losses, I lost my dad last year, such a tough time to go through for anyone.

Thanks, that's really kind of you. I'll follow up everything you've suggested.

foxyruby

lincroft1710 wrote: »

CT actually came into force on 1 Apr 1993, but the work in preparing the bands was done in 1992 hence 1 Apr 1991 used as Valuation Date.

OP if you appeal against the band increase and your appeal ends up going to a Valuation Tribunal, the VOA will send you details of relevant 1991 sales which they consider supports the band increase. At that time you have the right to ask for sales evidence of properties you consider would be helpful to your case.

Any future revaluation will almost definitely have the antecedent valuation date no more than 2 years before the date the revaluation comes into force.

A revaluation for England was scheduled for 2007, but was cancelled in late 2005, I was overjoyed as it meant I could take early retirement from the VOA.

Thanks Lincroft 1710, that is really, really helpful! Your reply has also reasssured me that at some point a revaluation will happen. I'm convinced this will be of benefit to all of us in the long run, even if it does prove an inconvenience for some of us in the short term. I have taken on board your advice, and I hope you're enjoying your retirement :-)