Just a quicky...

Jacko9

Me and my girlfriend have moved into a 1 bedroom flat (private kitchen & bathroom etc) and got a council tax bill for £1216 (Band C) and we checked the website and it says that all but one of four flat are band C and the other is band B.... how does this work???

The other thing is that I'm a student and shes a professional, I am exempt or not? I rang up the council office and asked, they said yes, however a few other people think differently.

If anyone could be more helpful than the council (not that its hard!) it would be appreciated!

Thanks!

CLAPTON

if you're a full time student at a recognised institution then you're exempt from council tax and your GF can get the 25% discount

Jacko9

Thanks for that!

lincroft1710

If all 4 flats are identical these are the 3 most likely (but not all the)explanations:

1) The Band B flat should be a C, but it was mistakenly listed as B

2) The Band C flats should be B, but were mistakenly listed as C

3) The Band B flat was reduced from C following enquiry/appeal by taxpayer, but the other flats were forgotten and not similarly reduced.

Contact Valuation Office Agency (Eng and Wales), Assessor (Scot) and ask what is reason for difference in bands. Worst they can say is Band B flat will have to be increased. If you're not satisfied with their explanation and moved in within last 6 months you have right to appeal against your band.

Finally you've landed your gf with responsibility of whole tax bill (less 25% single person discount) if you are a FT student.