Formal Process Initiated to Address Council Tax Concerns in RAAC-Affected Properties

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During a Torry Community Council meeting at the Greyhope Community Hub on April 17, 2024, a member of the audience raised a concerning issue regarding residents in Torry who are still being charged full council tax for properties that now have zero equity and are unsellable or unrentable. This situation has understandably created frustration among homeowners and tenants in an already deprived community, as they feel that the council is exploiting them financially.

Mr. Wilson Chowdhry, one of the invited delegates at the meeting, was approached by a gentleman afterward, who asked him to pursue this matter with Aberdeen City Council. However, despite efforts to contact the council, no response has been received. As a result, Mr. Chowdhry has researched the best approach for RAAC-related residents across the UK to appeal collectively.

The recommended process is for each affected individual to first contact their local council. While the process described here is specific to Aberdeen City Council, similar procedures can be found for other councils. For assistance, individuals can reach out to Wilson Chowdhry at wilson@aasecurity.co.uk.

The initial step involves registering your concern on the Aberdeen City Council website, using the provided link: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/log-or-register-online-services

The portal will prompt you to provide your home address, contact details, and council tax reference. Please ensure you have this information ready. You will then be asked to specify the reason for your complaint. It is suggested to use language similar to the following:

"During the Community Housing and Public Protection Committee meeting on March 28, 2024, Aberdeen City Council's Chief Housing Officer, Stephen Booth, addressed the RAAC crisis in Balnagask. He clarified that there was currently no plan for a Compulsory Purchase Order and explained the council's limitations in repurchasing properties due to revenue constraints. This likely refers to the council's reluctance to repurchase properties with zero or near-zero equity.

"Regarding the impact on council tax, if properties are now valued at zero or near-zero equity due to RAAC, it raises questions about the assessment for council tax purposes. Specifically, are RAAC-riddled homes in Balnagask now exempt from council tax or subject to a reduced rate?

"I urgently seek clarification on this matter to determine the appropriate course of action. If necessary, I will escalate my concerns to the Grampian Assessor and  Electoral Registration Officers Department under Council Tax Appeals. Your prompt advice on this issue would be greatly appreciated. For further context, you can review Stephen Booth's comments via this link: https://wilsonsthirdway.blogspot.com/2024/04/over-50-protestors-gathered-for-rally.html

You could also add: 

"Additionally, Hannah Chowdhry has reached out to Purple Bricks Estate Agents to request a valuation for potential use in any future Compulsory Purchase Order proceedings. However, they have declined her request and confirmed that due to structural defects, selling a local property is not feasible. I have attached evidence below for your reference."

Attach this:

I would repeat the information above in an appeal to the Grampian Assessor using the details below which I have taken from Aberdeen City Council's website. Of course add your details to the email.

Your Council Tax charge is based on the valuation band of the property. If you think that your property is in the wrong valuation band please contact the Grampian Assessor, Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen, AB16 5GE or by telephone 01224 068400 or via email at assessor@grampian-vjb.gov.uk.

Or complete their on line form (here). You will need to search for your property, click on the correct address box and then submit a proposal.  We have shared a draft that you can use which can be copied from this link (click here)

Wilson Chowdhry, representing the UK RAAC Campaign, stated:

"While I cannot guarantee that this process will yield immediate results, it will undoubtedly prompt an investigation into the matter and elicit a response that we can collectively evaluate for our next course of action."

"It's important to note that this is a formal procedure that the council is obligated to address."

"The criteria for proposing an appeal may seem vague, but it stipulates that any significant reduction in property value resulting from factors such as demolition, changes in the neighborhood, or modifications to accommodate physical disabilities warrants consideration. It's worth noting that a decrease in value due to general market fluctuations is not taken into account for council tax purposes."

"We must now wait and see what responses we receive. However, by working together as a collective, we can exert the necessary pressure on decision-makers to address this issue effectively.""While I cannot guarantee that this process will yield immediate results, it will undoubtedly prompt an investigation into the matter and elicit a response that we can collectively evaluate for our next course of action."

Below is an extract taken from the Grampian and Electoral Registration Officer website:

"A material reduction in value may result from the demolition of any part of the dwelling, any change in the physical state of its locality or any adaptation of the dwelling to suit a person who is physically disabled. A reduction in value caused, for a example, by a downturn in the housing market, does not count for Council Tax purposes."

A protest is now being organised for 12pm outside the Scottish Parliament Building, Holyrood, Edinburgh, EH99 on 11th May 2024. We will update you with more information soon.