Council Tax Discount?

gmbunn

Hi folks,

I am currently renting a second home (flat) with a colleague in order to work in a different county. We're both police officers and stay at the flat only 3 nights per week. I currently pay council tax for my normal home, however my colleague lives with his parents. Is it still possible to get a reduction on my council tax bill?

And advice would be great.

Thank you

gmbunn

Andy_L

Depends on which council it is. Some allow a discount for "part-time" residency & some don't. it should be detailed on the councils website

CHW

It sounds like this might be a slightly sticky issue, effectively in England you cannot be liable for two full Council Tax bills so you should qualify. The fact that your co-habiting friend is not liable at home could cause some Councils to quibble.

The things that are taken into account are, amongst other things:

Where your bank account is registered
Where your children attend school
Where you are registered with Dr's, Dentists etc.
Where your possessions are kept.

Provide the council at your 2nd home the evidence that your main residence is elsewhere and they should grant the 50% discount for 2nd props

lincroft1710

2nd home discount is usually only 10%, 50% only applies in special circumstances e.g. where someone has their own home but as a condition of their employment are obliged to occupy accom provided by their employer.

CHW

Not at either authority where I've worked, although I beleive it is a discretionary discount anywhere from 50% to 90% charge. Was under the impression most authorities had it set at 50% though.

It makes a 2nd home a lot more pricey to pay 90% CT.

CIS

Not at either authority where I've worked, although I beleive it is a discretionary discount anywhere from 50% to 90% charge. Was under the impression most authorities had it set at 50% though.

Since 01 Apr 04 the discretion has been available to set the rate between 50% and 90% - my authority chose 10% but a lot have gone for 50%.

00ec25

CIS wrote: »

Since 01 Apr 04 the discretion has been available to set the rate between 50% and 90% - my authority chose 10% but a lot have gone for 50%.

true but sadly neither of the councils my propeties are in, both "only" 10%
I'd agree it makes second homes expensive, but I suspect some would question second home ownership anyway.....

hodgester

based on security of tenure, reasons for occupation etc, I's say the OP's housemate should be the liable party with 25% discount. The OP does not have his sole or main residence at this address and therefore is lower on the hierachy of liability