Council tax banding

Kuga247

Thanks for info spoke to tribunal office this morning apparently it’s down to clerk also sent email last night  while on phone ask if it is correct that no more evidence can be used after bundles are in !I can bring this to their attention before we start 

lincroft1710

My experience with Tribunals (admittedly over 16 yrs ago) was that they were quite understanding if a CT payer needed more time to prepare their case and would grant an adjournment, but were not so happy to grant a second or third adjournment.

Kuga247

Considering my caseworker did not give me the information about properties I requested within the time scale which I keep getting repeated to me then to find out she is going on annual leave at the end of a email no contact for two weeks still haven’t received the information I ask for now new caseworker tells me I cannot submit any more comparable because my bundle is in 

lincroft1710

Kuga247 said:

Considering my caseworker did not give me the information about properties I requested within the time scale which I keep getting repeated to me then to find out she is going on annual leave at the end of a email no contact for two weeks still haven’t received the information I ask for now new caseworker tells me I cannot submit any more comparable because my bundle is in 

Well as I have posted, you have good reason to ask for an adjournment and the Tribunal should accede to your request. 

Kuga247

Received a reply at 17 20 cannot see a reason to postpone but I could ask the listing officer for a adjournment on the day I am totally confused 

lincroft1710

I have just read the VTS notes to appellants and the procedure has changed a lot since my day. Far more formal and far more deadlines and far more pre hearing work!


I don't understand the VT response, it seems to be passing the buck to the VOA. It may be the VTS consider there is sufficient evidence in the bundle. Was the info you couldn't obtain from the VOA very relevant and would it have been crucial to your case?


I can't really offer any suggestions or advice other than try to speak to VOA tomorrow (Friday) and gauge their response to an adjournment. If you feel confident with your evidence then just go ahead with the hearing.


A purely personal point of view and it may not be a correct interpretation, but it appears the VTS now wants everything up front and no reasons/excuses for adjournments before or during hearings. In my day continued requests for adjournments from appellants did seem to annoy the Tribunal and a third request would be denied and the VT invariably dismiss the appeal.


Edited to add, as the info you requested from the VOA can't be added to your bundle, the VT probably regarded your request for an adjournment to have been made too late, hence the refusal. Again personal opinion.

Kuga247

I ask again for the information I ask for back at end of December when case worker took her holiday new case worker sent info today all it was information on 4 properties near to me all it told me was what Ii could already see ,Also got reply to postponement the clerk thinks there is already sufficient evidence?Sorry but it all smells to me of none transparency !I also got a reply from team leader quoting data protection so I ask about freedom of information she wasn’t very pleased by my question?So do I ask them to look at all my 13 comparables or just hope they see that my property should have been put in correct band back in 1990s especially like 4 properties close that dropped to a lower band back then when it all came about 

lincroft1710

As I have previously said the Tribunal will look at all the evidence presented by both sides and make its decision based on said evidence.


Your comment about non transparency does not make sense, you again appear to be confusing matters, i.e. actions of the VOA, actions of the Tribunal and my opinion. I can't comment on data protection as it didn't exist in my day.

Kuga247

Maybe it’s wrong wording they only want you to have information which will not benefit you the appellant 

lincroft1710

Kuga247 said:

Maybe it’s wrong wording they only want you to have information which will not benefit you the appellant 

What you haven't said is exactly what information it is you are seeking.