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Council Tax - Second Adult Rebate
albo2002
Posts: 252 Forumite
in Cutting tax
I wonder if someone could help me with a situation that I regard as grossly unfair
I bought my flat two years ago and lived there for the first year on my own paying council tax at about £95 per month. However, as the economy deteriorated, I got a lodger to move in with me paying rent last year, and the council tax shot up to about £130 per month, of which I paid the £95 and he paid the remainder per month.
In January he was made redundant and the council has since agreed to pay his rent as he had no savings.
My own financial situation is tricky as I've recently had to go interest only on my mortgage, as my flat is due to have essential maintenance work carried out on it within the next 12 to 24 months, which will cost about £30,000. Those that don't pay will be forced to sell their homes. This means I'm frantically saving every penny I can at the moment.
I applied for a second adult rebate on the council tax and yesterday I got a reply stating that I was not successful as my flatmate is "not classed as a non-dependant on your claim". (ie he's not a relative paying no rent to me).
This just seems so unfair to me. He cant afford that extra council tax and ultimately I don't think I can either (although this could only be proven with hindsight). It's not my fault that he lost his job but I'm now being charged an extra £400 per year in tax.
Is there anything I can do to not pay this?
I bought my flat two years ago and lived there for the first year on my own paying council tax at about £95 per month. However, as the economy deteriorated, I got a lodger to move in with me paying rent last year, and the council tax shot up to about £130 per month, of which I paid the £95 and he paid the remainder per month.
In January he was made redundant and the council has since agreed to pay his rent as he had no savings.
My own financial situation is tricky as I've recently had to go interest only on my mortgage, as my flat is due to have essential maintenance work carried out on it within the next 12 to 24 months, which will cost about £30,000. Those that don't pay will be forced to sell their homes. This means I'm frantically saving every penny I can at the moment.
I applied for a second adult rebate on the council tax and yesterday I got a reply stating that I was not successful as my flatmate is "not classed as a non-dependant on your claim". (ie he's not a relative paying no rent to me).
This just seems so unfair to me. He cant afford that extra council tax and ultimately I don't think I can either (although this could only be proven with hindsight). It's not my fault that he lost his job but I'm now being charged an extra £400 per year in tax.
Is there anything I can do to not pay this?
0
Comments
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Increase his rent to cover the shortfall.
If not find another lodger who will pay.0 -
There are some decisions made by councils in respect of CT discounts which can be appealed against and brought before a Valuation Tribunal.
However I don't know if Single Adult Discount falls into this category, and even if it does and you are legally able to appeal, there's no guarantee VT will find in your favour.
Perhaps CIS can correct me on this?If you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales0 -
A Single Person Discount could be appealed at a Valuation tribunal however it would be Second Adult rebate which would need to be appealed in this case, that can go to tribunal if you are not happy with the council's decision but in this case I cant see that they have acted incorrectly.I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.0
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Thanks CIS, I've just realised I should have said Second not Single. Blame it on impending old age.If you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales0
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