Repayment after Band reduction

GlennREvans

I live in Wales and after watching your programme I applied for a Council Tax rebanding based on the fact that all other properties on our estate are lower than mine. Had a call from the VAO yesterday informing me that they had agreed to lower my band from E to D. I am waiting for written confirmation but the lady told me that I can only expect a refund of over payment for the last 6 years !!!  I have lived in my house since 1992 and was expecting a refund back to 2003. Is there any legislation that restricts the refund for only 6 years in Wales?

lincroft1710

The current Welsh Valuation List dates from 1 April 2005, so that would be the earliest date you could get a refund from.

I don't know about Welsh CT and couldn't easily find any reference to a refund time limit. I would suggest you contact your council and ask is there any legislative reason why the refund is limited to 6 years. If there isn't, it may be your council may be doing the same as some English councils who use 6 years as this is the maximum period one has to pursue a debt. Other councils have deleted their CT payment records over 6 years old as they believe they contravene GDPR. 

 If your council does the former I suggest you involve your local councillor or MP, they may persuade the council that you are due the 20 year refund. If the latter, I doubt you will be able to get more than the 6 years even if you have proof of earlier CT payments