Council tax appeal

MrsG43

hi all 

I am hoping to get a bit of information on appealing my mother in laws council tax band. She currently is in a 2 bedroom flat in Cupar, Fife, Scotland. She paid £180,000 for it back in June 2020. When she moved in she was told that the property was in council tax band E and that 17 of the other residents had appealed this, but unsuccessfully. We have started the appeal process and waiting on a face to face appointment, however they’ve basically said that because the apartments are ‘McCarthy and Stone’ they’re branded luxury and other retirement flats in Cupar (which are similar size aren’t) that’s why the council tax band is so high? Can they do this? Is this not Discrimination against a company name? Also she is currently paying maintenance twice a year for the on-site manager who is around to help them and check in on them and their laundry, insurance and cleaning of communal areas, they’re also using this as a reason that they’re in a higher price bracket meaning she is effectively paying twice for them. The flats are average size, a bathroom and a en-suite and a lounge with small kitchen, no formal gardens. I’m in the same area, in a 4 bedroom house and only in band D! Any help with this is much appreciated.

lincroft1710

McCarthy and Stone's brand new apartments aren't cheap., The Assessor would take this into account when trying to find the 1991 values of these apartments as it would follow that if the apartments cost more than non M & S apartments when they were built, they would have cost more in 1991. It is not discrimination. 


What doesn't help your MIL is that there have been 17 unsuccessful appeals by residents which sets a huge precedent. This demonstrates that the bands of these apartments are now well established and there is no reason for the Assessor to lower your MIL's CT band.