‘Am I paying too much for my council tax?’

Sarah Pennells explains how to check if you’re in the right council tax band – and how to appeal if you think you’re owed money

In 2016 10,700 people who challenged their council got it reduced.

It’s estimated that as many as 400,000 people could be in the wrong council tax band, with the result that they’re paying too much (or too little!) council tax. In 2016 10,700 people who challenged their council tax band actually managed to get it reduced.

How does banding work?

The amount of council tax you pay is worked out according to the band your property is in. The bands run from A to H in England and Scotland and A to I in Wales (with A being the cheapest). It’s based on your home’s value on April 1, 1991 for England and Scotland and 2003 for Wales.

When can I challenge my band?

You can ask for a review of your council tax band in the first six months of moving into a property, or if you’ve altered it – perhaps you’ve demolished part of your home or it’s been altered for someone who’s disabled.

If this doesn’t apply but you still feel you’re in the wrong band, you can challenge it. Be aware that you could end up in a higher council tax band if your council thinks you’re paying too little!

How do I know if I have a case?

The first step is to see how the council tax band you’re in compares with neighbouring properties. You can do this online at www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands (all you need is your postcode). If you’re not online, ring your local council to get details of who to write to.

If your neighbours are in a lower council tax band, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re paying too much. Your property may be bigger or they could be in the wrong band themselves.

Check the valuation

The next step is to try to find out what your property was worth in 1991 (or 2003 for Wales). If you’re in England or Wales, you can look up how much properties sold for since 1995 on the Land Registry website.

For Scotland, you can find prices going back to the early 1990s on the Register of Scotland website.

If you want to challenge your band, contact the Valuation

Office in England or Wales or the

Scottish Assessors Association for

Scotland. If successful, you can reclaim the difference between what you’ve been charged and what you should have paid, backdated to when you moved in.

How do I appeal?

To appeal your banding you need to contact your nearest Valuation Office Agency, there are six in England and Wales.

■ Call 03000 501 501, visit Gov.uk and type ‘contact VOA’ into the search bar