20 December 2011

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

THE Town Council has warned residents to beware of firms offering to appeal their “banding” for Council tax after receiving complaints from householders who have been approached with offers of “help”.

“There is nothing illegal in offering services to look into the band and ask for a reduction,” said Town Clerk Julie Holden, “however it may build false hope as Council Tax Bands can only be rebanded in certain circumstances – and can go up as well as down.

“If you have moved in within the last 6 months you can ask for the band to be reconsidered. Likewise if the building has had a material change such as part addition or demolition. However a change in the value of the house itself (due to property prices) is not a reason for a reband.

“It is also possible to ask for a reband if you think that the band of your property is wrong and has been wrong since they were first valued in 1991.

“You do not need to ask anyone to do this for you.

“It can be done by writing to your valuation office agency, or using the online appeal submission at www.voa.gov.uk. You need to explain why you believe your band is wrong, which may be by referencing the other properties in your road if you know that they are a different band to you, in order to build your case.”

However firms which undertake this on a householder’s behalf will typically charge a fee of up to 25% of any reduction which is achieved, she warned.

“If you think the band is wrong you should make your own enquiries of your neighbours to find out if there is an anomoly, the District Council and the Valuation Office who will give you free and professional advice. You can then write in, and if you are successful you will receive a reduction.

“Bands are generally only altered after a move. Therefore if you have had an extension or addition to your home and you ask for a rebanding, you could find that the band goes up not down and in this case you would have to pay more Council Tax. I doubt the firms offering to help you with a reduction would then be prepared to contribute to the additional costs.”