Council Tax Inspection

misslee1888

I hace recently purchased a new build house and called the council to get council tax set up and they have said that they need to come out and inspect in and have to get into the house to inspect it. Do i need to let them in to do this.

Any advice gratefully recieved.

Thanks

Doozergirl

Yes. The previous owners probably extended the house which might put it into to a higher bracket. They can't increase the bracket until someone new takes on the property.

They are usually there for 10 minutes or so, not long. They'll take some measurements and then go off and do their calculations.

Melissa177

How else are they going to band the property otherwise? And why don't you want them to inspect and band the property?

silvercar

Anyone know if there is a time limit following change of ownership for the council to state their intention to inspect/ raise council tax band?

I would guess that they don't have a legal right to enter your property but if you refuse they could make their own assumptions based on plans and you would then need to let them inspect if you didn't agree with their assumptions.

Melissa177 wrote:

How else are they going to band the property otherwise? And why don't you want them to inspect and band the property?

Either because you feel they will put an even higher band if they inspect or you have made changes that don't follow the agreed plans or building regs. Or you value your privacy and don't want a nosy council official poking his nose in!

Melissa177

Hmm - but if it's a new build house (ie, first hand rather than second hand), then it has to be banded at some point...

I dislike nosy officials as much as the next person!