Frequently Asked Questions

The Council Tax band of all residential properties are set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). The VOA is part of HM Revenue and Customs, and is independent of your local Council. Your local Council has no involvement in setting your band.

Yes - often. In 1991, the VOA were responsible for assessing every residential property in the country, so it is undoubtedly the case that errors would have been made. In addition, all newer properties built since 1991 are still required to be valued on the basis of what they would have been worth, had they existed in 1991. This means that bands on newer properties are being estimated, rather than being based on actual sales evidence. For this reason, the appeals system is in place to resolve banding disputes.

We will submit a formal ‘proposal’ to the VOA that the band of your property should be reduced. This proposal details the reasoning behind our appeal, referencing relevant Tribunal decisions, historical sales data, legislation, and case law. We will ensure that your appeal is submitted to the highest standard, therefore giving you the best possible chance of success. If the VOA agree with our proposal, the band will be reduced. If they do not, the appeal can be referred to the Valuation Tribunal to make a determination.

The Valuation Tribunal is part of HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and is independent from both the VOA, and your local Council. The Tribunal is usually made up of a panel of two members, who are advised on the relevant law by the Tribunal clerk. The Tribunal will listen to the evidence presented by us, as well as by the representative of the VOA. It will then make a determination in respect of the Council Tax band. The decision of the Tribunal is legally binding upon the VOA.

If we represent you in making a band appeal, our work is carried out on a “no win no fee” basis. This means that you will only need to pay us if we are successful in achieving a reduction. We will never charge you any extra fees – even if we need to attend a Tribunal hearing. The Valuation Tribunal also provide their services free of charge.

There are strict rules surrounding the circumstances in which an appeal can be made, and the time limits for doing so. We will be able to advise you of the time limits that will apply in your particular case.

Whilst it is possible for your band to be increased, in reality this is rarely heard of. We will only represent a client where there is a realistic prospect of success. We will not make an appeal if there is any chance that you could face an increase in band.

If we are successful, the reduction will usually be backdated to when you first became liable for Council Tax at the property. The reduction cannot be backdated further than 1 April 1993. The actual amount you will get back, and save in the future, depends on a number of factors, including how long you have lived at the property, the current Council Tax band, and the level of reduction we achieve. It will also be affected by any discount (such as a single person’s discount) that you may receive. If you contact us, we will be able to provide you with an estimate of how much you may be refunded, and how much you can expect to save in future years.

Where a band appeal is successful, the VOA is only required to reduce the band of the specific property that was the subject of the appeal. They are not required to reduce neighbouring properties, even though they may be identical. Therefore, the only way to ensure that your property is considered for a reduction is by making an appeal.

We work on a “no win no fee” basis. You will only be charged if we are successful in achieving a reduction. If successful, our standard commission is 35% plus VAT of the savings in the financial year of settlement, and any previous financial years from which you benefit, subject to a minimum charge of £250 plus VAT.

No. We do not charge any commission in respect of future years savings.