Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some houses in the wrong band ?
When council tax was introduced in 1993 every house had to be put into one of eight bands from A to H based upon its valuation. This was a massive task and it was not possible to carry out detailed individual valuations of every property. It was intended to carry out revaluations every 5 years but this did not happen. Accordingly many properties are in an incorrect band and have been since 1993 which is why some taxpayers pay more than their neighbours even though they live in exactly the same house. Similarly the banding of houses built since 1993 have not always been reduced when appeals in respect of identical properties have been successful.
Can I appeal myself ?
Yes- but please don't underestimate the time and effort involved.
You will need to obtain details of properties which have had their band reduced, 1991 sales evidence and Valuation Tribunal decisions.
Please be aware the use of property of property indices as suggested by some money saving web-sites is not viewed by the Valuation Office Agency as an appropriate method of valuation.
By using a CT Band Appeals UK to submit an appeal in a tried and tested format you not only save all the research and paperwork but have a much better chance of success.
Can tenants appeal and claim a refund or is it only house owners ?
Yes - providing Council Tax is paid by the tenant.
Why should I choose CT Band Appeals UK ?
CT Band Appeals UK is exclusively operated by Quintin Dale. Quintin has been responsible for 100's of reviews and appeals and his success rate is excellent. This is primarily because of his knowledge of the appeal system and his valuation expertise. Before taking on any case he explains the different ways in which a band may be reduced and the likelihood of success.
If I decide to proceed what will you require from me ?
To allow the CT Band Appeals UK to proceed on your behalf the Valuation Office Agency requires you to complete a "Authorising your Agent" and "Property Details form" . Both are very straightforward and usually take about 5 minutes to complete.
CT Band Appeals UK will also send you a one page agreement for you to complete. The agreement provides that all refunds received from the Council will be paid directly by yourself ; where an appeal is successful you will pay CT Band Appeals UK 35% ; where an appeal is unsuccessful there is no fee or costs of any kind incurred.
Will you need to inspect my home ?
If CT Band Appeals UK has written to you then there is sufficient information to proceed with an appeal without the need to inspect your home. If you contact CT Band Appeals UK after personal recommendation a brief inspection may be necessary.
How will the information I supply be used ?
All information about you is treated as private and confidential. The personal information collected will include your name, address, telephone numbers, email address and Council Tax details. This information is used to carry out a review of your Council Tax Band with a view to reducing your band and reclaiming any overpaid council tax charges. No bank details or similar are either requested or obtained.
Your details are not shared with any third parties other than the Valuation Office Agency and your council tax billing authority for the sole purpose of reducing your band and recovering all overpayments. You will not be contacted for marketing purposes and your details will not be passed to any third parties for any purpose whatsoever.
What happens when the appeal is successful ?
You will receive a refund directly from the council. The refund will be backdated to the date of your first council tax liability. You will also save money every month as the council tax you pay moving forward will be reduced.
A reduction from band E to band D saves on average £350 per year.
What happens when the appeal is not successful ?
Should the appeal be unsuccessful CT Band Appeals will review in detail the reasons behind the Valuation Office Agency's decision. Where the explanation is insufficient or the law quoted incorrect this is challenged. In some cases three or four appeals are undertaken before a final decision is made.
How long does it take to appeal and claim a refund ?
The Valuation Office Agency will deal with your appeal within 8 weeks. Should your appeal be successful your case will be passed to your Council Tax billing authority to arrange the refund. The council can take up to 4 weeks . Should the Valuation Office Agency reject your appeal a second appeal can take up to a further 8 weeks.