new house - Rates

[BennyCake]

Ah, rates - another big f**king scam to get money off you. They tell us it's for bins and the likes, the upkeep of leisure centres etc. Oh really, if that is so, why am I being charged again going for a swim?

[T Fearon]

Afraid not.They are used to fund incompetent government a both local and regional level.

[johnneycool]

Afraid not.They are used to fund incompetent government a both local and regional level.

Thats it in a nutshell..

There's no requirement for local government to be more efficient with our money as they just up the ante year on year to pay for their f**k ups..

[Minder]

Afraid not.They are used to fund incompetent government a both local and regional level.

Thats it in a nutshell..

There's no requirement for local government to be more efficient with our money as they just up the ante year on year to pay for their f**k ups..

The councillors on the new super councils are getting an extra £4500 to compensate them for having a larger electorate.

[balladmaker]

I moved into a new build a year ago, house is 310 sq metres according to the rates site, 4 bedrooms, garage with a room above.  Last year's rates were pro-rated for the few months I was in the house.  I appealed at the time as I thought the house vaulation was far too much and that resulted on 20k being knocked off the value of the house.

This year's full rates bill is £2600!  Even though the house wasn't built, they base the valuation on the expected value as of Jan 2005 I believe.  They look around the area for comparable houses that sold in that period, and take their price from there.  It's all very subjective.

Now, for what I get in return for paying £2600 a year is a joke.  I requested a second bin and it was turned down as I only had 5 living in the house and not 7. 

Any advice on where to go with appealing this valuation again, is it worth appealing again, lobbying a local councillor etc.  Any one with prior experience on such matters?

[Bensars]

I was under the assumption it was the capital value of the house not the market value.

In regards of appealling i would advise checking neighbouring properties of similar size etc . first. If you are in the north, you can put in your road and it will give the rateable value per house number.

http://lpsni.gov.uk/vListDCV/search.asp?submit=form

[Christmas Lights]

I moved into a new build in February.

Still have no letters about my rates etc....
Am I right to let them find me?

[johnneycool]

I moved into a new build in February.

Still have no letters about my rates etc....
Am I right to let them find me?

Its up to you, but I had a visit from the valuation crowd and about 18 months later got a rates bill backdated to the day the valuer was there, so I'd the backdated rates and the rates for the year ahead. Luckily they gave me a wee flexi card thing for easy payment 

If the valuers have been out then you might as well start paying rates now, otherwise hold on tight and hope they don't visit.