Council tax inspectors scrutinizing backyard sheds, highlighted, coupled with Angela Rayner's advocacy for larger properties to contribute higher taxes
In recent times, homeowners across the UK have faced an increase in council tax bills due to new tactics adopted by local authorities to boost their revenue. According to Paula Higgins, the chief executive of HomeOwners Alliance, if a homeowner encounters a specific problem such as an old shed being classified as a taxable annex, they can challenge the council tax.
These tactics have led to a 20% jump in complaints about local authorities. For instance, a resident named Simon Dyer received a £3,676 council tax bill for his Band G farmhouse in Somerset, along with a demand for £2,941 for a converted flat inside the property that was once rented out.
Homeowners are also targeted by over-zealous council staff when planning permission for improvements has been applied for. If not satisfied with the outcome, an appeal can be made within three months to the Valuation Tribunal.
Lawyers say that councils are struggling to stay in budget, with rising social care costs, increased staff wages, and often large debts. However, this doesn't excuse the use of questionable tactics to raise extra cash.
Councils are using various tactics to raise extra revenue, such as charging for garden waste bin removals, describing sheds and spare rooms as annexes that attract separate council tax, and moving homes up a tax band due to major structural property changes.
If a homeowner thinks their property is banded incorrectly, they can contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to request a deletion. Last year, the VOA received 43,000 challenges to council tax band re-evaluations, and of these, some 10,500 were successful and the bands decreased.
If a kitchen is removed from a self-contained shed (with bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom), it may no longer be considered a taxable annex, but verification by the VOA is required. If a property has its own separate entrance, kitchen, cooker points, sink units, and toilet, it may be considered a separate entity for council tax purposes.
If your council tax band is changed by the VOA, it is up to you to prove it has got it wrong. If a customer thinks part or all of their property is banded incorrectly, they can contact the VOA to request a deletion.
Homeowners are advised to review and question any new or amended fees introduced by the council, especially those implemented through recent legislation changes or council decisions that may not have been widely publicized. They can also consult local government guidelines and rate notices carefully to identify unexpected or unclear charges.
Engaging with local council meetings, submitting formal complaints, or participating in public consultation processes where budgets and fees are discussed can also be beneficial. Seeking advice from consumer advocacy groups or legal advisors can help if charges seem unjustified or violate regulations.
If disputing charges related to property taxes or rates, check if there are exemptions or appeals processes available through the council or local government ombudsman. Independent sources like consumer advice body HomeOwners Alliance provide free support when making a challenge.
Recent cases have highlighted the need for homeowners to be vigilant. For example, Alan Alexander received a demand for what was purported to be a converted annex at his property but was actually a dilapidated shed. The Inbetweeners actor James Buckley also expressed his outrage about being charged £60 for garden waste bin removals, a service previously included in his Chelmsford council tax bill.
Contact information for the VOA in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland is provided: England - 03000 501 501, Wales - 03000 505 505, Scotland - 01786 892 237, Northern Ireland - 0300 200 7801. Maidstone Council also advised residents who think their property is banded incorrectly to lodge an appeal with the Valuation Office Agency.
Homeowners are encouraged to be proactive in challenging these sneaky charges to avoid unwarranted increases in their council tax bills.
