Money Moral Dilemma: Should we report neighbours who are in the 'wrong' council tax band?

hill_ekaterina

No, nunya. Nunya business

jenniewb

MSE_Kelvin said:

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

We found out we're in a higher council tax band than some bigger, more expensive properties on our street, so asked for our band to be reassessed. We were told it wouldn't be lowered, and were asked to indicate which houses on our street are in a lower band so they could be reassessed! There's not much to be gained by grassing up our neighbours, but we're annoyed we're paying a higher rate when they have larger, pricier homes. Should we say which houses are in a lower band so we might at least one day benefit from the extra council tax paid?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't answer Money Moral Dilemma questions as contributions are emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. Remember that behind each dilemma there is a real person so, as the forum rules say, please keep it kind and keep it clean.

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.

Got a Money Moral Dilemma of your own? Suggest an MMD.

No, they're doing you no favors, why should you do them any? On top of this, they are no doubt paid a healthy salary to find out such things as this. You are paid nothing to do the same. If they're willing to share their salary with you, maybe they'd have an almost semi decent request, until that moment comes, go tell them to take a hike. Then hang up the phone and get on with your day. 

lakesider52

Absolutely you should NOT report the. Jealousy/envy/vindictiveness are really disgusting traits in anyone.

jackie555

No! you should not. You aren,t a neighbour i,d want. Don,t reckon you,d have been so quick to ask if you should report it if you were in a lower band than you should be. Now go have a lie down as someone like you can,t sleep too well

tracy1402

we’re in the similar situation, ie our council tax is more than neighbours.  We did contest with local council… they said because our house was extended (garage converted to room) by a previous owner we are now paying for that extra room.  Whilst neighbours have not sold their house after undergone alterations.  Future owners will pay higher council tax though.

difficult moral dilemma especially during these hard times….

purdey1955

I wouldn’t snitch but the system is flawed. Several of my neighbours have done substantial six figure extensions and, never having moved, pay less council tax than me. Given that these extended houses will have the improvement marker and proper approved plans I can’t see what the idea was in granting this exemption.

tedwood2

Too true you should.   The more that under pay, the more the council have to put it up for everyone.   I may be old fashioned but I think everyone should pay what they should.

SStitanic

No but I would rally the other villagers, get some pitch forks and march up to their garden wall and shout at them. 

Pollycat

MSE_Kelvin said:

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

We found out we're in a higher council tax band than some bigger, more expensive properties on our street, so asked for our band to be reassessed. We were told it wouldn't be lowered, and were asked to indicate which houses on our street are in a lower band so they could be reassessed! There's not much to be gained by grassing up our neighbours, but we're annoyed we're paying a higher rate when they have larger, pricier homes. Should we say which houses are in a lower band so we might at least one day benefit from the extra council tax paid?

so why consider doing it?

tuffet1

Nope, just leave it. There are enough people that pay too much with no recourse so good luck to those who get away with it.

We live in a house banded in E. There are only 5 houses like ours on the estate, all also in E. The more expensive larger houses on the estate are in D. I have been down every avenue and complained/appealed but they are not interested in doing a review. The 1991 test puts us nearer to band C! All they do is compare us to the same 4 houses even though they are all obviously wrong.