TAX Band - VOA unhelpful

Sbutterfield

Hello all, for years (13 to be specific) I thought I was paying to much Council TAX with my TAX band being incorrect. I recently saw a post on the MSE site around how to challenge your TAX Band and have absolutely hit a wall with the VOA and found progressing pretty much impossible regardless of having a case. So I'm interested if any of you have had a similar experience and able to share any recommendations? I'd be interested if any 3rd parties are out there that could support?

In short, my property is a band higher than most properties in my area (2 miles radius, of a very built up housing). Its TAX Band stands out as incorrect based on this alone as very obvious. That said, I have followed the process on two occasions now, both with the standard templated response that the 5 properties I am submitting need to meet the VOA matching criteria with NO justification and / or advice on what of the 5 are/were comparable (and of course, the VOA's view). The latter is a key issue for me.

The first occasion, I referenced, photographed, took google map dimensions and pulled stats from TAX Service (Bands), Nationwide (1991 values) and Propertychecker (dimensions, rooms etc) for 5 'same build and age' properties as mine. Pretty much identical and all being a band lower and all priced higher in 1991.  This was met with the pre mentioned response and then told not to submit for 6 months..

On the Second occasion, I did the same but took a different approach, this time based on  'exact internal dimensions' so the properties may not be visually like for like but, their internals were greater and again, 1991 value being higher than mine. And as previous, the exactly the same templated 'fob off' response. 

I firmly believe I am due TAX but not getting any support from the VOA. I am no further ahead and more worryingly, have no feedback on the work and samples I have provided. For example, 'which of the 5 properties do VOA believe are comparable and why'. I did ask this in an email as was pointed to the complaints process!!!!! They seem to be both Judge and Jury on the matter,

Anyways, I'd be most grateful if ay of you can share your experience and / or advise how I can reengage them?

lincroft1710

The VOA will not give you any assistance in finding ways to reduce your CT band, basically it isn't their job to do so. Unless your property is a flat, it will not be measured internally but externally. The NW house price index is inaccurate and will not be accepted by the VOA. 

Sbutterfield

But what they do not make clear is what acceptance criteria is. I have suppliers challenges now 10 properties and have no idea on whether any of these 'they' deem as valid as they do not disclose their measurement criteria. It's a very closed process yet people like me, paying significant amounts over what they should be. Its frustrating!

lincroft1710

You can make an official complaint about the fact you have found the VOA unhelpful and/or you could write to your MP and say you are not satisfied with the way your case has been handled and would they please take it up with the VOA