Valuation Office Delays - Council Tax Challenge (June 2024)

BFG123

Is anyone else waiting a very long period of time to hear back from the Valuations Office regarding their Council Tax challenge? Back in Feb 24 in submitted a challenge as the house adjoining mine (semi-detached) is two bands lower. I called the Valuations Office and they sent me a document showing that they held my property details incorrectly, as they had me recorded in a 4-bed detached house. I therefore sent them multiple items of evidence showing I did not live in a 4-bed detached house. 

They told me they usually clear cases within 90 working days, however this has now passed without any conclusion from them. I rang and was informed that they are having delays, but was told that I should keep calling each week to escalate it. 

Has anyone else waited 4 months+ to hear back from Valuations Office for Council Tax challenge? Feels a long time especially when I am overpaying each month. 

Thanks 

lincroft1710

BFG123 said:

They told me they usually clear cases within 90 working days, however this has now passed without any conclusion from them. I rang and was informed that they are having delays, but was told that I should keep calling each week to escalate it. 

In the old days it could take up to a year. 90 working days would equate to approx 126 actual days. Just do what they say and call each week

langleychas

I also have been waiting for quite a long time. My challenge was made in April 24 and now end of September still not resolved They asked for 5 instances of similar properties on lower band than my one and I sent them 11 similar properties in my immediate area and street. but still no action yet.

lincroft1710

langleychas said:

I also have been waiting for quite a long time. My challenge was made in April 24 and now end of September still not resolved They asked for 5 instances of similar properties on lower band than my one and I sent them 11 similar properties in my immediate area and street. but still no action yet.

On another thread, the poster has said that the VOA has admitted to a backlog, so it will take longer than usual

BFG123

langleychas said:

I also have been waiting for quite a long time. My challenge was made in April 24 and now end of September still not resolved They asked for 5 instances of similar properties on lower band than my one and I sent them 11 similar properties in my immediate area and street. but still no action yet.

I've just heard back now and had my challenge approved after waiting 7 months. I hope you won't have to wait much longer.