Real life MMD: Is the council tax bill mine?

KxMx

Well the fact that she does all the housework would suggest that the brothers wouldn't be willing. Also they do work full time so not so practical.

She benefits from a shared house, and the brothers benefit from her doing all the housework. Anyone who has ever done all the housework will appreciate where i'm coming from.

Metarie

Yes, you should pay. I'm a student who lived with another person (not a student) for the first two years of my course. Technically I didn't have to pay council tax but I did, because the council were still taking my rubbish away etc. I currently live with 3 full-time employees and my landlord would not allow me to not pay my share.

You say you do the housework but don't forget they will also be paying for you through increased water, gas and electric bills.

Maybe if its that much of a problem you should find your own place and apply for housing benefit etc.

mr_m_83

I think you should pay something towards the council tax, even if it is just a token amount, this would show willing on your behalf.

As for the cleaning, its only right that you do more of the cleaning if you are indeed in the house all day. (if not I apologise)

If you receive benefits because you are not working then I would suggest going out and finding a job...simples.

Streethawk_2

mamazaac wrote: »

Agree to pay your share, but on condition they agree to pay you a fair hourly rate for the housework you are doing.

for which you'll have to pay the income tax, NI contributions and do the annual tax return for being self-employed, as well as signing off the dole... who'd be better off after all that?

You're right to say you help the household with housework and no doubt other services like company for them and keeping the property safe whilst they're work.

However, the main point is this: When did "helping each other out" become so contentious? When did Families start having to need equal share from everyone to make it fair. I'm not quoting personal experience here, or that my family is perfect as it's far from it, but those who earn put in. Those who don't do their best to help those who do, then we can all enjoy time together. Isn't that the point in the end?

If they are that way minded, they're your brothers and should "step up and be the man" (not my sexist POV, honest!)...

TenMinJoe

The council tax itself is a red herring, I think. The real issue is that you and your brothers need to agree on exactly what your contribution to the household is going to be. If you're going to put some money in, it's not really important whether it's spent on council tax or electricity or whatever. Don't get hung up on the specifics of council tax and whether you're technically liable for that, etc - it's the agreement between all of you that's important.

pennypinchUK

They're your brothers and they're earning. It's not clear, but I presume they paid the council tax bill between them before you moved in. So they're not out of pocket by another person living in the house.

You're on benefits, and presumably trying to find employment. If this situation arose in my family there would not even be a discussion. While you're getting yourself back on your feet you agree to help out around the house and they continue paying the council tax between them.

And one day the situation may be reversed, and you help them out in some way. Isn't that what family is all about?

tabsy

Hi there.

I can understand your dilemma as I have experienced something similar in that I have recently become a full time mature university student and am supposed to be exempt from paying council tax and my grant and budget reflects this.

However, because I share a flat with someone who is not a student she is now allegedly responsible to the council for payment of the full amount of the council bill for the flat and is classed as a sole occupant so can get a 25% discount. This means that she would be responsible for 75% of the amount whereas previously the bill was shared 50/50. The council should really treat such circumstances as if the person who is the student is not responsible for any amount and the person who is not a student is responsible for only 50% of the council tax so that they are not penalised for living with a student by having to pay more. However, my flat mate was entirely unhappy about this and I have been forced to pay 25% of the council tax even though according to the government I have been 'let off' paying council tax as a concession for being a student and therefore on a low income.

Some people have argued that my flatmate should simply just pay the full amount - 75% - of the council tax as a favour to me as a low earner!

In your circumstances, it sounds as if your brothers offered to take you in as a favour as you were in a tough situation and I am sure you would have done the same if roles had been reversed. You are obviously already on a low income and so they should not demand more money from you.

Also you don't state how long you have been staying with them as it may be a case that they thought they would be helping you out for a certain period which has turned out to be much longer than anticipated.

Obviously, your being there takes away a portion of their space and freedom but it sounds like you are not abusing the situation and are doing your best to make their lives less burdensome by doing the housework etc.

You don't say whether or not you are receiving housing benefit to contribute and I am sure you would be entitled in the circumstances. Also it must be very difficult for you as it sounds as if you are feeling 'in the way' and exasperated that things could not have worked out differently for you. It also sounds as if you don't feel entitled to just 'be' and feel at home without having to compensate for your existence in this household. It must be hard for you to feel like the 'domestic worker' in your brothers residence and not like an equal family member.

Maybe you could contact a housing association and explain your situations as by all intents and purposes you are actually classed as being homeless and you are being provided with temporary accommodation by family members and can't afford to live independently.

Otherwise, maybe you and your brothers just need to sit down together and examine the root of WHY they are now asking for an extra contribution from you.

I really hope that you find a resolution soon.

All the best

Gingerbiscuit_2

Difficult one, it depends on if you are paying 1/3 of all the other bills. Your jobseekings allowence covers your living expenses, ie food, travel and utililties bills as you are able to claim council tax benefit you are not expected to deducted this from your small income.

If you are not paying any other bills then it probable works out just the same expense to give them something, however if you already are paying all bills then you have to have enough left to live on. Go and see if you can claim council tax but let brothers know that in order for you to claim their income will need to be looked at as it depends on the house hold income.

c-m

If you are paying rent and a share of other bills, there is no reason to pay council tax. You are not liable and should claim council tax benefit. Simple as that.

DJ_Mike

Simple: Don't pay. You are fully exempt from council tax.

Can't believe your brothers would try to extort you for this when quite clearly you shouldn't have to pay in your situation.

Not sure what the exemption situation is like when you live with others who have to pay - I remember as a student in a house that when one of us stopped being a student, council tax became payable at 75% of the going rate, i.e. the 25% 'single occupancy' discount - the other 4 students in the house made no difference to the bill, other than that they simply weren't required to pay it.