Council Tax!!!!! Please Help!!

Florida09_2

Dear All,

I'm new to this site and I take my hat off to all of you!! :T

I would like some advice as regards my council tax. I've always paid my council tax on time and by direct debit.
When my partner moved in with me 3 years ago I rang the council tax to tell them of my change in circumstance and to have my partners name put on the bill, which they did. We got married 3 weeks ago and I'm slowly ringing all the people I need to to tell them of the change. I rang the council tax this morning to advise them. The young man I spoke to asked was I living alone and I explained that no I wasn't hence my partners name being on the bill. Apparently I have been getting a single person's allowance for the last 3 years!!! I'll be honest - I don't look at my bill when I get a new one I just check the amount being debited out of my account. They have said that this will be passed to another department and they will try to recover the unpaid council tax. I explain it wasn't my error and surely the system should have picked the mistake up or somebody could have gotten in contact with me if they thought my details weren't correct. I did what I thought I needed to do by letting them know about my partner moving in but now I'm being penalised for their mistake. The debt looks like it might be in the region of £1100.00 which I can't afford. Can I appeal against this?!? Whats the best action to take?!? I'd be greatful for any advise.

Zoe

Tixy

Hi Zoe

If you have underpaid I would imagine they are entitled to recover the money with it being for 3 years (if it was over 6 you may not have had to repay it all).

If it is their mistake they should not charge fees/interst on the o/s amount. Your best bet would be to try to repay over a long period so that the debt is affordable. You could suggest you pay it back on 3years (as thats how long it took the debt to accrue).

Florida09_2

Thanks for the reply.

It's just annoying that you are honest with these people but get penalised for their mistake! Hey Ho......I'll just add it to the list of the other debts I'm trying to pay off.

This website has been an inspiration :T I just hope I can do as well as so many of you. :rotfl:

RAS

Florida

I suggest you start by speaking to your local councillor and seeing if they can help you negoitiate a deal.

Unfortunately you probably got a letter each year asking you to confirm that you were entitled to sigle person's allowance. However if both your names were on the CT bill, you may have a bit more leeway.

Florida09_2

Thanks RAS - It's definately something to think about. I'm just waiting for the new revised bill and a letter with the actual amount I owe. Then I will try and negotiate with them.