The Chambers of Julian Hunt - London

Alex L.

I highly recommend Julian to anyone that who has to deal with a Council Tax injustice or a Valuation Office judgement that requires an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.
In my case Julian recommended two strategies and through his knowledge and investigative approach found a way that resulted in a substantial refund.
He is very competent, knowledgeable and on the side of the person challenging this difficult and frustrating process.
Excellent work and thank you, Alex

Anonymous R.

Thanks to Julian, I have been able to reclaim a five-figure sum in council tax charges on a derelict property I own. Despite its condition, my own appeal against paying council tax failed.
It is due to Julian's knowledge of the law relating to these charges and his tenacity in dealing with the VOA, VTE and council officials over a period of 2 years that I have now been refunded this significant sum. The property is now delisted and all the money I have paid over the last 10+ years has been returned.
I am very grateful to Julian and recommend his services to anyone with similar problems.

Mark A.

Julian provided me with expert advice and representation during a very stressful time while being prosecuted for Careless Driving. Julian made time for consultations over the phone, stayed in contact via text and email and travelled to Derbyshire to represent me in person at trial.
I am very happy to say that with his counsel I was found not guilty and defence costs were ordered.

Julian's fees are fair and transparent, his advice is pragmatic and I cannot recommend his services highly enough.

Anne L.

Julian, thank you so very much, without you this definitely would not have been so easily resolved.
Your patience, sensibility and knowledgeable resolve really helped us.
All so very much appreciated.

Our issues: So we spent from October 2023 to late 2024 trying to resolve our numerous council taxes for our single dwelling home. No luck with Gwynedd council tax department.
Felt like it was the Post Office issue emerging its ugly head.
More than their jobs worth.
Albeit they instigated it because they went on the sales property listing and without first personally assessing our home at the time it was listed for sale they notified Valuation Office for Wales who on Gwynedd Council’s information applied the additional council taxes. 🤬
Oooh And guess what, Gwynedd Council Council Tax department said it was the Valuation Offfice for Wales fault … and that information was not willingly offered by Gwynedd Council ( it took a year!!)

So here’s the thing: 2 kitchens plus a galley without a cooker and hob (in fact no possible facilities for a kitchen just a work top with cupboards above and below - 2 metres in length) meant 3 council taxes.

((So BUYER BEWARE:
One home and more than one kitchen … more than one council tax. 🫣
Understandable if you have a separate property, like an annex or a separate dwelling on your land even a caravan.
REALLY IMPORTANT: make sure it’s lived immediately upon purchase otherwise you’ll be clobbered with not only the applicable council tax for it but also premium rates too. So really investigate before purchase and quiz the estate agents too they really should be telling all this from the outset too)).
Since April 2024 in Gwynedd County you have to apply for planning permission if you’re planning to rent out. I don’t think that applies for properties already rented from before 4/2024.
Check, check and check again.
You do not want be up the creek without a paddle. That’s putting it really politely. Hmmm.

Back to our issue:
So we had 2 additional council taxes at premium rates too. Because apparently they were partially furnished and occasionally lived in. Ridiculous!
We lived as a family in the entirety of our home. All under one roof.
Frustrated, confounded and really mighty mad we made enquiries with our conveyancing solicitor (we bought our home in July 2023 - our searches did not reveal 3 council taxes!!) who provided us with Julian’s contact details.
Thank goodness for Julian.
Without his guidance, knowledge and patience and mediation with Valuation Tribunal for Wales (who looked at our situation intelligently because it was put to them intelligently and with sensibility by Julian) we would be looking like Mr and Mrs Twit!
Outcome resolved. Huge relief.
Again Julian, a very big thank you to you 😃

P L.

I consulted Julian concerning a Council Tax problem, having been unable to find a solicitor who appeared to have any expertise in this area. As the problem has taken over a year to resolve (through no fault of his) I have been able to form a solid impression of his abilities
Julian is indeed an expert in Council Tax law and has guided me through its many intricacies with a sure hand, with the result that I have been able to save a significant amount of tax and even obtain a refund. He has been approachable and responsive, and clear and accurate in his advice. His fees compare very favourably with those of solicitors with far less competence than his.
As someone who has practised law for many years myself, I am very happy to vouch for his professional competence in this area of the law.

Tom J.

Julian was the consummate professional when handling my case. Any questions I had were answered promptly and thoroughly, and his empathy and reassurances were immensely helpful at what was a stressful time.

Samir S.

Julian helped to prevent my drivers licence getting banned which ultimately saved my job and my financial covers for my family. I fully recommend Julian to anyone in need of legal representation. I will be forever grateful to Julian! Thank you so much.

Manish S.

I engaged Julian when I was struggling to make sense of a CT listing for a structure. Julian bought clarity, expert knowledge and sense to the case. He provided clear and simple advice, was personable and easy to work with. This approach was preferable to a large firm where your case gets passed around and you spend equal time managing the firm.

Julian was ultimately able to manage the process to the common sense solution and relieved me of the stress. His experience in the matter I believe was the key difference in navigating to the correct outcome. I would highly recommend his engagement.