Council tax conundrum
Question
There's a building next to my house that's an absolute eyesore. Can I get a discount on my council tax because of it?
Answer
Unfortunately, you won't be able to get a reduction on your council tax because council tax doesn't work in that way. But you could make an application to the valuation office to have the council tax band of your property changed.
To make your case to the valuation officer you may need to employ help from a specialist such as a chartered surveyor or estate agent. The Royal Society of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has a voluntary service that is sometimes able to offer free help. You can contact them on 0870 333 1600 or contactrics@rics.org. If they are unable to offer free advice you can search for a surveyor near you who might be able to help.
The costs of employing a surveyor to put your case could be considerable and may cost more than any reduction in council tax that you get.
Updated: 12/06/2007
Question answered by CAB
