Possible to get refund for single person council tax?

petefish1979

Hi All,

I've done some searching but can't seem to find an answer for my question so I'll throw it open here!

I have, rather stupidly, been paying full council tax for the past four years even though I have been living on my own. Now I realise I am entitled to a single person discount of 25% so I will apply for this asap.

Is it possible to get a refund for all or some of the overpaid council tax, or is it fully my responsibility to inform the council and I won't have a leg to stand on if I try!?

The only thing which might be in my favour is that as the sole occupant I am the only person on the electoral register at my address for the period I have been here. Should there have been a box I would have ticked when I first started paying, or is it just a case of they send you a bill assuming there is more than one person and you have to tell them otherwise?

Even if I could get a partial refund for the last year or 6 months that would be something (a few hundred quid anyway)

Many thanks in advance for any help!:beer:

CIS

There is no specific legislation to cover periods of backdating as long as the council are satisfied then they can backdate all of way. Usually if there is dispute over the backdating then they will backdate to the start of the current yr.

You need to apply as soon as possible - you migt even get the refund before Christmas.

petefish1979

Thanks CIS,

I rang my council (South Kesteven) and spoke to a nice lady (be polite and give them time and they normally help!) who sorted it out as much as she could.

I will be getting a refund for the 25% over the last year - It sounds like this will be in the form of a credit/adjustment to my account rather than a cash refund - So I wont have £300 in the pocket but will presumably have a much lower bill averaged out over next year.

She also said that once i get the credit (about a week) I can appeal for the previous years by writing a letter but would probably need some kind of proof I was living on my own which is not an easy thing to do. Still, I will give it a go as its only 20 minutes and the price of a stamp!

As CIS said, now is the time to do this before the year end or you might not get anything. Still kicking myself though for not applying in the first place!

Airwolf1

Won't your bills in be in your name only, I know its not proper evidence, but sending a copy may help.

PasturesNew

Single people are not used to getting anything so you don't go looking for it!. The single person discount for council tax is something you have to actively ask for (then they check up on you and get you to sign often yearly to declare you're still alone there).

It's quite unfortunate nobody told you (friends/family). I'm glad you got some back now though and are now in the know!

hodgester

continue to challenge it. be prepared to go to the valuation tribunal if you want (who I guarantee will find in your favour, they always do), as there is no statute of limitations for the backdating of a single person discount.

Entitlement to a discount prior to the Authority's self-imposed cut-off date is matter of fact, not legislation, so therefore no Authority has any right to refuse, though it may attempt to do so for its own purposes. Reverse the situation, and you will note that an Authority can find itself pre-disposed to forgetting any period of limitation if it's for its own benefit. For, example, if a council found you to be claiming it, without being entitled, they would consider withdrawing it from the correct date.

Send them evidence of utility bills which have just your name on it, ask them to consult with the electoral register, but persist.