Council tax review

misterthrifty

Having moved house a couple of months ago I have just had a letter from a valuation officer based in Birmingham addressed to "The council tax payer"

The gist is that the council tax band can be reviewed when a property changes hands and the property has been modified. My house was extended by the previous owners but the approach by the valuation officer seems rather unprofessional and sets up a vague appointment without consulting me.

Is this a con or genuine and any suggestions as to how I stand as I certainly can't afford to pay a higher council tax.

No mention of this was made by the agents or the solicitor although they knew of the changes to the property.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Mr T

Stonk

It seems a bit odd. Why re-evaluate the council tax now, rather than just after the extension was done?

If you're worried it's a con (could be someone trying to gain access), try calling the council using a number from the phone book or their website (not one on the letter).

Chances are you'd only go up one band, if any, which might mean something like £200 extra. That's not much, monthly. If that's gonna break you, you shouldn't be buying a house - I mean, how are you gonna survive if the base rate goes up 0.25%?!

bunking_off

Can't vouch for whether it's legit, but it is correct insofar that if you put up an extension, your council tax band does not immediately change : it's only re-evaluated either

a) when the property changes hands or
b) when there's a general revaluation carried out (which I think is underway in any case)

cattie

When a house has been extended it will generally always move onto a higher council tax band when the property is sold. It doesn't get rebanded untill the vendors that have had the extension done, sell the house.

It isn't down to the estate agents or solicitors to inform you that once you've purchased a house extended by the vendors, that the council tax band will increase, so there wasn't any failings there in your case.

Unfortunately there isn't a lot you can do about an increase in council tax, it's a burden we all have to bear sadly & I've just parted with my monthly payment of £108 today.

jezza1O1

But on the bright side, be happy that you are contributing more cash to your community. Its worth remembering that you are actually welcome to over pay tax bills too !

Ian_W

jezza1O1 Its worth remembering that you are actually welcome to over pay tax bills too

The thread was really interesting - but after that comment how can anybody take this guy seriously.