Council tax charges 2010

The charges from 1 April 2010 for Southampton City Council are as follows.

Buying a property and changes to the council tax

Home improvements do not immediately change the council tax band on a house (for example, when an extension is built). Householders will pay the same council tax, as they would have without the renovations.

However, the council tax band may change when any of these events occur

• The house is sold
• a lease for a period of seven years or more has been granted, or
• there has been a ‘right to buy’ purchase.

In these cases, the council tax band will be reviewed, taking into account all physical changes to the property since 1993, or since it was last sold. This may result in a higher council tax band. If you are a potential purchaser, you should be aware of this review as it could affect the amount of council tax you pay following the sale.

The Valuation Office Agency is responsible for the banding of properties for council tax and keep a record of property that is known to have been improved. You can view the list of all council tax properties on the Valuation Office Agency's website at www.voa.gov.uk

The Valuation Office Agency marks all property on this list known to have been improved, with an indicator. This means the council tax band will be reviewed when the property is next sold or leased.

This does not necessarily mean that the band will increase because it depends on the extent of the alterations and whether the property falls towards the top or bottom of its current band.

If you are thinking about moving, you may wish to check the VOA council tax list to see if the property you are thinking about purchasing has a band review pending and if it does, contact your local Valuation Office Agency for advice. Details of your nearest VOA office can be found on the VOA website.

* The SPD total is for those receiving the 25 per cent single person discount.

For further information please see the links below.