How do I actually check my council tax?

Bobblenose

How do I actually check my council tax?  I called my local council and they just red the details that's own the form.  There are several different bands all on my street.  Our house has a extension but it was constructed before we moved in and although its a big 4 bed house there are only two of us living here and our neighbours have many more occupants in their homes.  It seems unfair we are paying a lot more than others on our street.  Also on the website it doesn't seem to be clear if band A is cheaper and it gets more expensive as you go down the bands or vice versa.  We are currently in band D.  

The council told us for further information we need to write to the valuation company that places the property's into bands and give reasonable evidence as to why I think I'm in the wrong band.  Is that right?  I have no idea on what grounds to argue this, other than every other property seems to be cheaper and that  receive the same services as us? please help? Much thanks. 

Hasbeen

It does not matter how many people live in a house.
Band A is the cheapest.
You live in a large 4 bedroom with an extension. So will pay more than the 2 bedroom  etc.

But check here what yours and others are in your area:  Check your Council Tax band - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

And to challenge?:  Challenge your Council Tax band - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Why do you think its unfair? that perhaps a large family of say 6 all working should pay more for services than a couple?     They have tried that before. LOL

If the house is to big then perhaps moving to a smaller cheaper property would be advisable?

Bobblenose

Thank you I'll take a look.  I assumed maybe a couple would require less services, and could potentially be earning less money than a family of 6 all working as you mention above.  Some of my neighbours are several bands difference not just one or two bands.  Thats the only reason I ask. If its a reasonable question then `I'll ask it, but if that's not how it works then that's absolutely fine that's why I come on here and ask; to learn.  Thanks x

elsien

You also need to bear in mind that any challenge could either leave you where you are or also result in a move to a higher band. 

If you want to know why the charge is on the property rather than on the number of people, google poll tax riots. 

p00hsticks

Bobblenose said:

Thank you I'll take a look.  I assumed maybe a couple would require less services, and could potentially be earning less money than a family of 6 all working as you mention above.  Some of my neighbours are several bands difference not just one or two bands.  Thats the only reason I ask. If its a reasonable question then `I'll ask it, but if that's not how it works then that's absolutely fine that's why I come on here and ask; to learn.  Thanks x

You may find it interesting to read the history of the Council Tax and it's predecessors - the Community Charge (aka 'poll tax') and the domestic rates system.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_Tax

All are methods of raising local taxes to pay for local services like schools, policing, fire brigades, refuse collection, council services etc

The rates system was simply based on the value of the house - each property had a 'rateable value'. The Community Charge introduced by Margaret Thatcher's government in the late 80's tried to replace this with a flat charge per adult, but met with such resistance that the Council tax quickly replaced it - a tax that is broadly based on property value, but with certain allowances for individuals such as the single person discount and students and those with severe mental impairment being exempt.