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Council tax very unfair to single people

508 replies

Lettuceandtomatoes · 02/04/2024 19:08

The council tax for my area is £1800 full whack, a single person 25% off. I pay £140 a month which is ok until I realised the three adults next door are paying £60 pounds each and a couple paying £90 each. So why this inequality aimed at single people, picking up the tab?

OP posts:
Cyclingmummy1 · 13/04/2024 17:25

Minfilia · 13/04/2024 16:09

Council tax in our area is disgraceful IMO.

It costs £300/month for a property over £160k in value. A property that you buy for £160k would put you in the second highest tax bracket.

Except… try finding ANY property for £160k here! Even the cheapest two bed terraces are £180k plus.

I am not sure if the brackets are enforced against only new properties though… but a modest 3 bed new build would put you in the highest bracket which seems crazy to me when there are several £1m houses paying the same amount!

It's based on the value in 1991. If it's a new build, it's based on the banding of a similar property in 1991.

BandyMcBandface · 13/04/2024 17:47

Cyclingmummy1 · 13/04/2024 17:25

It's based on the value in 1991. If it's a new build, it's based on the banding of a similar property in 1991.

Except it seems to be largely based on guesswork, otherwise all the same size properties in similar areas of a town would be the same band and they aren’t.

At the very least it needs a revamp based on today’s prices (and some adjustment for local average prices)

Minfilia · 13/04/2024 17:49

Cyclingmummy1 · 13/04/2024 17:25

It's based on the value in 1991. If it's a new build, it's based on the banding of a similar property in 1991.

Im rather relieved to hear that… and might suggest to the new build company that I spoke to that one of their staff might need training on that issue as she said we would be in one of the highest bands Grin

Sweetheart7 · 13/04/2024 18:46

@Cyclingmummy1 it's not based upon 1991. If someone has bought a house on a new plot (new built house) then it reflects today's price. Your theory can't be correct because CT is often high for those types of properties.

XenoBitch · 13/04/2024 22:38

BandyMcBandface · 13/04/2024 17:47

Except it seems to be largely based on guesswork, otherwise all the same size properties in similar areas of a town would be the same band and they aren’t.

At the very least it needs a revamp based on today’s prices (and some adjustment for local average prices)

I am Band B. With a revamp to today's prices, it would jump to a Band F. I could not afford that.

There will be people in Band A (tends to be 1 bed flats) that if based on house value now, would also jump up a lot.

BandyMcBandface · 13/04/2024 22:53

XenoBitch · 13/04/2024 22:38

I am Band B. With a revamp to today's prices, it would jump to a Band F. I could not afford that.

There will be people in Band A (tends to be 1 bed flats) that if based on house value now, would also jump up a lot.

And people currently in a higher band who would be better off.

If you would be a Band F based on comparison with current local prices, I assume you are in a large property and could downsize?

XenoBitch · 13/04/2024 22:59

BandyMcBandface · 13/04/2024 22:53

And people currently in a higher band who would be better off.

If you would be a Band F based on comparison with current local prices, I assume you are in a large property and could downsize?

I am in a 3 bed terrace (owned outright). No improvements or extensions made. Just the general prices in the area have gone up.

My DP is looking for a new place to live right now. He is in a 2 bed flat which is Band A. Some places he has been viewing have been 1 bed and Band C. It is bonkers.

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