Council tax - annexe or ancillary accommodation discount.

[Hjg]

We bought a property in March 2022 which was banded historically as one property even though there are two 'residences'; one main house and a converted mill. My daughter and her family moved into one and we moved into the other. Historically the owners tried to split the property and sell one part on its own (to settle their acrimonious divorce) but the converted mill was classed as ancillary accommodation (an annexe) and as the planning for this conversion said if it wanted to be a standalone property there needed to be a large payment in compensation for the fact that no affordable housing was in the scheme, unless this payment was made then the full planning would not be passed. The then owners did not do this so it is presumably still classed as an annexe. (Incidentally we bought the property after the owner died so no more information is possible to obtain.)
After paying one band of council tax for 12 months, out of the blue we had notification that the two houses are now banded seperately and we owe the council tax for the last 12 months and then ongoing there will be 2 lots of council tax payable. This doubles our liability.
I read on the independentage website that if family over 65 years old (which applies to me) live in an annexe then this is exempt for council tax, however after having a conversation with our local Council tax office they implied this is a discretionary discount and could be dependent of earnings, savings etc etc.
I have spoken to the VOA and they are looking into the banding, but havent come back to me.
I would be very interested to know how we stand in this - we certainly cant afford double tax plus the arrears.

[Crazy council]

Check how its registered with the land registry. Council tax officers arnt generally the best at understanding if a charge should apply or not, but they will bully you to pay untill/unless you get clarification.

Check with land reg, and if its still one property or if you qualify because its a granny annex, argue in writing not over the phone with the council. You tend to get better results.

[Hjg]

Check how its registered with the land registry. Council tax officers arnt generally the best at understanding if a charge should apply or not, but they will bully you to pay untill/unless you get clarification.

Check with land reg, and if its still one property or if you qualify because its a granny annex, argue in writing not over the phone with the council. You tend to get better results.

Thanks Crazy council. It is one property, how do we find out whether we do qualify as a granny annex, I am unsure where we find the criteria?

[Crazy council]

I would start by emailing or writing to the council tax dept directly. they just read out scripts on the phone and cant seem to deal with situations that are not standard. Whereas letters emails tend to get responded to by those with a bit more experience.

The important parts to highlight would be you the same family.give them full details of that, and ask them to explain exactly how its charged separate, Be careful of them just asking you question after question to try make it fit there position. So, Email, explain you all one family, ask them what triggered the change and ask them how it applies to your situation.

The VA office would need that explained anyhow.

[Hjg]

I will do just that. Thank you for your advice