Council Tax Upbanding

abee11

Hi everyone,

New to the forum, and wondered if anyone had any advice on the recent up-banding of my council tax. 

In December 2024, I was sent a letter to advise that I was being up-banded from B to C. It stated in the letter that some information had come to light which had meant that the previous tax band was incorrect, but didn't say exactly what that information was.

The property is a two bed flat in the South East and, according to the Nationwide House Price index, it has a valuation that would have put it in Band A, although it wasn't built until 1993, so not sure if this will count. The value (according to the index) was lower in 1993 than in 1991, which again points to Band A. 

I can see that the other flats in the block are all banded C - some showing as being in that band since December 2024, and some April 1993. I suspect someone has tried to have theirs lowered and it's caused those who were in Band B to be up-banded. 

With it being a flat, there have been no alterations to the property that would incur a change. It's not increased in size, and I haven't built a conservatory (I have read this is a common trigger for a re-band).

I have lived in the property for 9 years.

I have, of course, informally challenged their decision in February and not received a response yet. At the last chase for a response, I was told I should hear by September. 

I just want to know if there is anything I'm missing here as to why it could have been re-banded. Does anyone have any experience with this? I've read through Martin's/MSE's guidance, but it doesn't really seem to apply - I don't think, anyway. 

If it is to do with a nearby property challenging their Council Tax band, is there anything I can do to have mine changed back to what it has been for the last 9 years or, better yet to Band A (although I'm sure this won't happen)?

Thanks in advance!

abee11

I can't seem to edit the post but I forgot to add that there are a few blocks of flats on the same street, all exactly the same size. There are also houses on the same street, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses, everyone whether a flat or a house is in Band C from what I can see. 

lincroft1710

Ignore the NW HPI, they hopelessly under estimate 1991 values. In most areas 1993 values were about 20% below 1991 values.

What I am more concerned about is that you "informally challenged their decision" when you should have formally appealed. It is now too late to make a formal appeal. Can you post the exact wording (and I mean exact) you used in your challenge as there is a possibility it may have been sufficient to be treated as a formal appeal.

itsthelittlethings

My CT is a B, I distinctly remember the guy who sold it to me remembering he had appealed and got it down to an A. It’s a killer having £145 going out of my bank account every month.

It’s very unfair that someone in a house is a C when someone in a flat is an also a C. Look on the bright side, you are saving money on gardening.

lincroft1710

itsthelittlethings said:

It’s very unfair that someone in a house is a C when someone in a flat is an also a C. Look on the bright side, you are saving money on gardening.

In England, flat 1991 value £52,500, house 1991 value £67,500, Band C would be correct for both properties