What on earth is an 'equality payment'?!

[ErickBroch]

Hi everyone

I am trying to appeal my council tax band after just moving in. In the original paperwork from the sellers in 1991, who bought it new, it says that paid a £16,500 'equality payment', and then a certified figure of £30,000.

I can't seem to find anything on google which helps me understand what this is! If anyone knows at all or can point me in the right direction I would be so grateful.

Currently in a tax band D on a tiny mid-terrace house that backs onto a train line...

Absolutely no idea. What band are the rest of the houses in your street? Are they similar houses?

I reduced mine from b to a in my last house.

House next to mine is a C, and is detached and bigger. Other than that, all D. I was considering asking our neighbour if they appealed it. We are the only house on the street that has bought from the original owner, so probably helps we have the paperwork from day 1.

Have you asked your immediate neighbours which tax band they are in?

I dont know that youll get far with only 1 example but you can try anyway. Yes original paperwork will help. Id contact your local council about the equality payment because ive no idea of that

For me they asked for specific examples of addresses on the same street that were v similar to my house and a lower band.

They asked me to prove the value of the house in 1998 (i think! Was a while ago now!) And some other hoops. I did manage it in the end though!

You can check bands online for most addresses.

Thanks all for the advice :) I am hopeful that the original paperwork will help as it is from 1991 which is when the valuation is based on! As it's D I don't think they will lower it to B at all as it would probably cause others to do it, but if we could get it to C like our next door neighbours then that would be great.

I think it means the house cost £30k but they part exchanged their previous property (valued at £13.5k) with the developer and made an "equality payment" of £16.5k to make up the difference. But that is just an educated guess based on similar terminology used in similar situations in another country...

If I'm correct, that would put your house in band A (unless it has been extended/significantly improved since).