Council tax

GeoffNick

My question relates to council tax banding and a separate management company’s cost for carrying out works on our estates’ common land. In 2012 my wife and I agreed to purchase a new house on a new development in Barry, South Wales. The developer indicated a possible council tax band of E and a management company (Remus) would be looking after the ‘common‘ ground on the estate of 69 houses. After we purchased the council tax band was set at E only to be increase to F a year later (2013). In addition to this the maintenance company had increased its cost. Question: As we are paying this management costs for maintenance etc. do you think we have a case to challenge the council tax band? NB. The management company cover the following items:- General repairs to play park equipment and street bollards. Risk assessment. Gardening to the common land. Management fees. Accounts. Bank charges. Property owners liability insurance. Tree works. ( Currently just over £200 per property)

Any comments?

lincroft1710

As CT bands in Wales are based on a dwelling's notional value as at 1 April 2003, the question that needs to be asked is, would the cost of the management charges affect this value by reducing it to £162,000 (Welsh Band E maximum) or less. I doubt the VOA would agree, but you can ask