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Original poster

Please help me understand

15 replies

Chuckle94 · 14/12/2022 21:58

I need some help working out my council tax, please.

checked online and I’m in band B, live in south Derbyshire but pay £166 a month and that’s every month with no free months.

I live in a 2 bed maisonette with no garden and I pay that whilst my friend on the same estate who has a 3 bed house pays £145. Should I challenge this? I don’t understand it at all.

TIA

OP posts:
Itisbetter · 14/12/2022 21:59

Does she get a reduction for something?

Original poster
Chuckle94 · 14/12/2022 21:59

No she doesn’t

OP posts:
Original poster
Chuckle94 · 14/12/2022 22:04

My friend is in band C but pays £145 I pay £166 x

OP posts:
Angelicapickles1 · 14/12/2022 22:05

Quick Google suggests band b is around 1520 per year on average in South Derbyshire so looks like your friend is paying the right amount if spread over 12 months. Are you sure yours is Band B? Have you checked the valuation is correct? Was it this high last year?

Sunshineandrainbow · 14/12/2022 22:06

Are you single and not claiming a reduction?

Itsnotallblackandwhite · 14/12/2022 22:12

MSE website has some info on challenging council tax bands OP, it may be helpful? www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/council-tax-bands-change/

Original poster
Chuckle94 · 14/12/2022 22:12

Last year I didn’t live with my partner so I got single person discount so obviously it entitled to any discount now. My friend who pays less than me lives with her husband. I’m definitely in band B after checking the website x

OP posts:
Original poster
Chuckle94 · 14/12/2022 22:14

Itsnotallblackandwhite · 14/12/2022 22:12

MSE website has some info on challenging council tax bands OP, it may be helpful? www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/council-tax-bands-change/

Than you for this.
mice challenged it but it could take up to 28 days to hear something back x

OP posts:
Original poster
Chuckle94 · 14/12/2022 22:15

Chuckle94 · 14/12/2022 22:14

Than you for this.
mice challenged it but it could take up to 28 days to hear something back x

Show quote history

I meant ive* challenged it not mice 😂

OP posts:
Polarbearyfairy · 15/12/2022 07:09

Two aspects here - the first is your band, which is set by the valuation office. It's based on the value of your house in 1991 (even if it was built later than 1991). Your house might be in the wrong band or your neighbour's might be, or they both might be right. Challenging your band does not mean it will change, and it can go up or down - they only look at the value of the property in 1991 and are not interested in how much you are paying each month.

Secondly, the local authority sets the £ amount for each band, and that's what you pay to them.

While you wait for the banding decision, I'd suggest you contact your council to find out exactly what you are paying eg are there any arrears included as a result of your partner moving in perhaps?

hedgehoglurker · 15/12/2022 07:15

Find your bill. If you don't have the original, it will also be online. This should give all the details, including annual and monthly payment amounts.

Original poster
Chuckle94 · 15/12/2022 08:11

I don’t have any arrears. I am going to ring the council when they open. If I’m paying £166 a month that it £1,992 a year and seems to high for band B

OP posts:
alwayscheery · 15/12/2022 08:24

Are you sure your friend is paying over 12 months, standard with our council
Is to pay over 10 months but you can request to pay over 12.
As someone mentioned, council
Tax is not based on the number of bedrooms it is based on property value many years ago , so plot size, location etc will be taken in to account.

Original poster
Chuckle94 · 15/12/2022 08:31

alwayscheery · 15/12/2022 08:24

Are you sure your friend is paying over 12 months, standard with our council
Is to pay over 10 months but you can request to pay over 12.
As someone mentioned, council
Tax is not based on the number of bedrooms it is based on property value many years ago , so plot size, location etc will be taken in to account.

I’m paying nearly 2k a year for band b in south Derbyshire that’s what I’m confused about.
I think I should challenge it because band b is around £1,500 where I am but I’m paying more.

OP posts:
wobytide · 15/12/2022 08:53

What does the Council Tax bill say when it showed your annual charge and monthly direct debit schedule?

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