Significant delays in Council Tax Rebranding Challenges

blandcomet

Hi everyone,

A few months ago, we submitted a request to have our council tax banding reviewed. After not hearing back within the expected timeframe, we started chasing it up. We received an acknowledgment but were simply told that our case was still under review.

Fast forward two more months, and when we contacted the call centre again, we were informed that people who submitted requests at the beginning of 2024 are still waiting due to a backlog caused by the Martin Lewis programme.

Our case: New Build (2.5 years old) currently Band F - All neighbours with the same house type on the same estate are Band E

Has anyone else experienced similar delays?

FlorayG

I waited the six months they ask you to, then emailed them and had my result ( no change  ) within a week of that

lincroft1710

Several threads on this board about people having to wait long time for decision

StillNoIdea

I submitted a challenge in February to our banding (in England) which got a response on 22 Feb including "If you have not heard from us by 19 June 2024, please contact us...".

Silence...

Contacted them on 21 June & got a, rather vague, response 

"We are aware of your request and we’re working as quickly as possible to respond in full.

We may contact you if we require any further information or evidence to address your enquiry.

Following this email, you will not hear from us again until we have dealt with your case and any necessary amendments have been made to the Council Tax list..."

Over 2 months later & still no further communication so I've emailed them again today.

BFG123

I’m in a similar situation, in a semi-detached with the house joint on to me 2 bands lower with no difference in house type/renovation. I rang valuation office in February and they told me on their records I live in a 4 bed house (I live in a 3 bed). I submitted a challenge on 16th February and have chased it every week after the 90 day timescale but still no decision. They also can’t confirm how long it will take to resolve, never known an organisation not be able to meet their first deadline then not be able to set a new one! 

StillNoIdea

StillNoIdea said:

...Over 2 months later & still no further communication so I've emailed them again today.

I've now had a, marginally less vague, reply

"Subject: Update request

Case No: XXX

Address: XXXX Thank you for your email dated 29 August 2024, which we received on 29 August 2024, in relation to your outstanding case.

We appreciate we previously informed you that we will aim to clear your case within 90 working days, but due to a high volume of cases, we are currently working over this time scale.

We are aware of your request and we’re working as quickly as possible to respond in full"

blandcomet

Mine got accepted - My band just went down to E from F!

Over 8 months in the making!

I now have the issue that the effective date is only 2 weeks ago, so no backdating but after speaking with them on the phone it sounds like this might have been a mistake - Awaiting a potential correction.

blandcomet

blandcomet said:

Mine got accepted - My band just went down to E from F!

Over 8 months in the making!

I now have the issue that the effective date is only 2 weeks ago, so no backdating but after speaking with them on the phone it sounds like this might have been a mistake - Awaiting a potential correction.

Can confirm this was a mistake and they fixed it!

Got all my money back - I wasn't expecting them to pay it back with significantly reduced direct debits but that's how it went