Council Tax demanding more?

Kavanne

I have just been issued a new bill by the council...The schedule I had from 1st September 08 (when I registered for 25% discount as my OH is a student and only I live here apart from him) says £82pm on the 1st of each month until 1st March 09 (last payment)


However, today I have received an adjustment saying 'The council tax bill issued need amendment because:- there has been a change in your household circumstances which affects the status discount. The statement below gives revised details of the charge for the property.'

It then goes on to demand the strange figure of £153.37 due on 1st February 2009.

What is this change?! I've not notified them of anything.. What could it be?

It dosn't say anything about a payment due on 1st March 09, just that big one on 1st Feb... but it's not 2x£82.....


Help!! I have not budgeted for this!

Could it be someone has notified them that my bf is NOT a student? (he is) or that others live with us (they don't), and the council have decided to take off my discount?

I only got home at 6pm and they closed at 5.30 so I will have to call them tomorrow but I will be worrying about this all night if I don't ask

Kavanne

Anyone?...

lincroft1710

What was the answer from council, please?

Kavanne

They said they never received proof my bf was a student! I sent it last July!! When they let me continue to pay happily, I thought that meant they had received and everything was hunky dory. But they said there's been a hold on my account ever since!!

I said I can't pay £150 by Feb 1st but I will pay my normal £82 and my bf has to ask the uni for ANOTHER letter proving he is a student. I asked him to get 2 copies this time and I will be sending it recorded delivery!!!!

cheekyweegit

Have you thought about emailling a copy of the letter into your local council and sending a c.c. to yourself as proof.

My local council (Dundee) accepts email for documents and the plus side of this is they send an automatic reply back to you saying they have received your email. This along with your c.c could be used as proof that you have supplied the document as the emails both send and received would have a time stamp on them when sent along with the date.

Good luck and I hope you get this sorted out soon.

Kavanne

They won't accept an email copy or a scan or a fax. It has to be an original It's Southampton.

lincroft1710

I would suggest (if you can find time) personally taking uni letter to council and ask to speak to a Senior Revenues Officer, if all is in order SRO may be able to issue revised bill while you're there. BTW your OH is in law equally responsible for any amount owing until he gets his exemption.

Kavanne

Surely in the 2 weeks (max I would imagine) it takes me to get a new letter (we have already ordered it from his uni office) they can't do anything? I mean, I have been making my payments on time each month as per the schedule they sent me! I have not had any other correspondance in the meantime (along the line of 'please send us your proof of exemption)!!

I can't go down to the council as I work full time and OH isn't good at the practical things (bloody academics)

Why is it better to go in person? Surely sending it recorded is the same?

anniecave

well i wouldn't stress about it... just get the letter as soon as you can and get it posted into them. If they don't accept email, then it just takes as long as it takes to arrive by post. I'd sent it by recorded delivery though and check it arrives, and then phone up to check they've corrected the account.

lincroft1710

If you take letter in person, you will know they have received it and also you can get the matter sorted there and then.

Kavanne

lincroft1710 wrote: »

If you take letter in person, you will know they have received it and also you can get the matter sorted there and then.

I wish I could!