We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Council tax disaggregation
jobundone
Posts: 9 Forumite
Dear All,
I am potentially looking to buy a 4 bed semi detached property currently in Council tax band C.]
The house was originally a 3 bed.
In 1986 a planning application was submitted and approved for an "Erection of single-storey side extension to form bathroom and bed-sitting room for a disabled person". This work, to my knowledge was completed in the 1980s. When the VOA did the banding in the early 90s, it was classed as a band C for the whole property (as was the other half of the semi next door which had had an early dormer loft conversion). The property has not been sold since the original extension took place. Neither does the property have an 'Improvement Indicator' flagged on the CT website.
The extension is sizeable, for the bed-sitting room and the ensuite (which caters for disabled access to the bath/toilet etc). It has an adjoining sliding door to the downstairs hall way, it also has an external (front facing) French door with wheelchair lift.
My concern, now that the vendors are selling, that the VOA may pay a visit and decide that the extension, although probably taken into account during the initial valuation and had been constructed by the time the valuations were done, should be disaggregated as it may be classed as separate living accommodation, thus attracting 2 Council Tax bills (likely a C plus an A).
My view is that if the extension was originally there prior to the introduction of the VOA/Council Tax, they should not decide to disaggregate it, but who knows what the VOA may do?
What are your thoughts?
I am potentially looking to buy a 4 bed semi detached property currently in Council tax band C.]
The house was originally a 3 bed.
In 1986 a planning application was submitted and approved for an "Erection of single-storey side extension to form bathroom and bed-sitting room for a disabled person". This work, to my knowledge was completed in the 1980s. When the VOA did the banding in the early 90s, it was classed as a band C for the whole property (as was the other half of the semi next door which had had an early dormer loft conversion). The property has not been sold since the original extension took place. Neither does the property have an 'Improvement Indicator' flagged on the CT website.
The extension is sizeable, for the bed-sitting room and the ensuite (which caters for disabled access to the bath/toilet etc). It has an adjoining sliding door to the downstairs hall way, it also has an external (front facing) French door with wheelchair lift.
My concern, now that the vendors are selling, that the VOA may pay a visit and decide that the extension, although probably taken into account during the initial valuation and had been constructed by the time the valuations were done, should be disaggregated as it may be classed as separate living accommodation, thus attracting 2 Council Tax bills (likely a C plus an A).
My view is that if the extension was originally there prior to the introduction of the VOA/Council Tax, they should not decide to disaggregate it, but who knows what the VOA may do?
What are your thoughts?
0
Comments
-
If the extension was already in place when the original banding was done then, short of an error, it was already taken in to account when the band was set.
The discretion with the VOA does not allow them to ignore a property that should be banded, the only discretion the VOA have is with regards to aggregation of self contained units under the chargeable dwellings order - this is a very limited power and only applicable in certain cases.
The only way to know regarding how it would be treated is to ask the valuation office - they will decide if it meets the criteria for a separate banding and, if so, whether it is a dwelling in it's own right or a self-contained unit under the chargeable dwellings order (if the latter than, for England, the rules regarding council tax annexes can apply).
A Band C is low for a 4 bed property.I am potentially looking to buy a 4 bed semi detached property currently in Council tax band C.]I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.0 -
If the extension does not have facilities for preparation of food, e.g washing and cooking, it cannot be disaggregated.If you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales0
-
I have read today of cases where the VT and even the High Court have said that not every self-contained unit MUST have all facilities to hand. So a shared kitchen, for example, may not be a reason for a unit to be classed as part and parcel of the whole heredithingy. Some cases have even stated that the ability to have a microwave plugged in is sufficient (although that sounds ridiculous to me!).
I have also contacted the VOA with my query, they were minorly helpful, but also now concerned that it is flagged on their system.0 -
I have read today of cases where the VT and even the High Court have said that not every self-contained unit MUST have all facilities to hand. So a shared kitchen, for example, may not be a reason for a unit to be classed as part and parcel of the whole heredithingy. Some cases have even stated that the ability to have a microwave plugged in is sufficient (although that sounds ridiculous to me!).
I have also contacted the VOA with my query, they were minorly helpful, but also now concerned that it is flagged on their system.
The cases you are referring to probably involved there being more than one family unit. If you are occupying the house as a single family there would not be any question of disaggregation. I have dealt with plenty of disaggregation cases in the past and a "bedsit" with en suite, but no food preparation facilities, occupied in connection with the "main house" by a single family would not be considered for disaggregation.If you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales0 -
That is very useful information, thank you.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 352.3K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 454.3K Spending & Discounts
- 245.3K Work, Benefits & Business
- 601.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177.6K Life & Family
- 259.2K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards