Council tax query

alice79_2

My sister and her boyfriend have just moved in together. He has debts from the past that he is trying to avoid, so he doesn't want his name associated with an address. That means that the tenancy is in her name (he pays her his amount by DD every month). He also wants her to say that there is only one person living at the property (her) as he is not currently on the electoral register. Of course that would mean that she would get 25% single persons discount on council tax. I am worried that she will get into trouble if the council find out that there are 2 people living there. What could happen to her if they find out?

christine_chris_chrissy

she will be in a whole load of trouble it's her place she needs to take control her ruless not his she needs to put her foot down.he can be on the electrol register with out it being public you just have to tick a little box.Poor girl you should point him in the direction of this forum to face his debt lots of support here.hope this helps a bit till some one else comes along with facts.

AnxiousMum

She could be done for criminal fraud and end up with a criminal record due to her boyfriend burying his head in the sand. He can't run from it forever.
Is your sister working or is she on Income support? She should be upfront and honest with all agencies she is involved with, she may not then qualify for certain things, but at least she will be able to sleep at night and not go into panic when there's a knock on her door!

leemack

informing the council he's living there for tenancy or benefit purposes will not mean that debt collectors can trace him and should be done as not informing the council/dwp is fraud. However going on the electoral roll will mean debt collectors can trace him, even the edited register. if he doesn't go on the electoral roll there is the possibility of a fine, although I don't know of anyone who has been fined.

Best advice, get him to get help with his debts from a local welfare rights debt adviser or cab.

tboo

Beaware the landlord could inform the council when he discovers another person in the property
It could also come to light when you have to apply for benefits.
So when you are eventually found out the council tax dept will just go back to the date he moved in and you will end up with a large bill, at the moment it isnt, unfortunately a criminal offence but you do, in some LAs, have to declare annually that you are the sole occupier and lying is punishable by a large fine and possibly naming and shaming in the local press

elaina79

I am asuming then that he claims nothing at all. If he does then the benefits office will notice eventually that there is a multiple claim at your address and investigate.