Council Tax challenge

harry060906

HI,

Hoping someone can provide some advice. 
I bought a property over 3 years ago which was at then Banded as Band C. The property was extended by the previous owner in around 2002. within the last couple of weeks i have received notification that my Band has altered to Band E. 
My neighbours property is of a similar size and is Band D, they purchased their property around 2 to 3 years before me.
I have 2 questions I am hoping someone knows the answer too.

The first is, does the Valuations office have a certain time frame that they must re-evaluate a properties band post the change in an owner due to sale of a freehold property or the transfer of a lease in a leasehold? e.g. do they have 12 months and then anytime after this period they cannot alter the tax band. It seems a little open ended that they can decide to change the tax band as and when they feel like it without limits.

The second is, as the property next door is similar in size and is a Band is one lower than that one mine, what are the risks involved if I challenge the band that not only will my band not change but that of my neighbours would adjust also?

Thanks

lincroft1710

There is no time limit on increasing a CT band, the VOA can increase or reduce a band at any time if they believe it is incorrect..


If you use next door as a reason why your home should be Band D rather than E, then if Band E is found to be correct there is a possibility that next door's band could be increased. Only the VOA could say what the likelihood is of this happening.