Without prejudice to sections 7(4)(b) and 18(4) of this . Act, but subject to subsection (2) of this section, where it is shown to the satisfaction of a rating authority that any amount paid in respect of rates, and not recoverable apart from this section, could properly be refunded on the ground that—
the rating authority may refund that amount or a part thereof.
No amount shall be refunded under subsection (1) of this section—
Before determining whether a refund should be made under subsection (1) of this section—
the rating authority shall obtain a certificate from the valuation officer as to the manner in which in his opinion the hereditament in question should have been treated for the purposes of the valuation list, and the certificate shall be binding on the authority.