Council Tax/Housing Benefit Dilemma

Savickas

Hi all,

I'm moving into a new flat next week. I work full-time and have no children but according to the council website I'm eligible for housing benefit as I'm on a fairly low wage.

My dilemma is this. I haven't paid council tax at my current address, despite graduating from university last September and working full-time ever since. My housemate (landlord's son) has always dodged the issue when I suggested setting up a council tax account, but to be truthful I've been more than happy to evade paying it too. Why they haven't came asking for the money I'm not sure, but I assume they think the property is still occupied by students.

When I move into the new flat (in the same local authority area) I'm going to set up a council tax account straight away. Will they ask for a previous address and will I be lumbered with the bill for the unpaid tax at my current address? Similarly, the housing benefit claims form asks for a previous address. Could this be used against me or are the housing benefit claim and the unpaid council tax entirely seperate issues.

I realise I'm not likely to garner much sympathy given that I've basically dodged paying a tax for a year, but any advice would be much appreciated.

Duncombe

Yes, you are naughty for not paying CT this last year. You may well find they chase you for it.

Will you be living alone and what is your income going to be?

Savickas

I'll be living alone and income will be just shy of £1000 a month after tax.

Savickas

Going to post this in the House Buying, Renting and Selling Forum too. Hopefully I'm not contravening any forum rules by posting it twice.

Duncombe

Savickas wrote: »

I'll be living alone and income will be just shy of £1000 a month after tax.

Are you sure you will be entitled to any HB? I'm guessing your income will be about £15k?

Savickas

Gross income is just over £14,000. I hadn't even considered that I'd be eligible for HB until I stumbled across the benefits calculator on the council website when looking up council tax bands, but it seems like I'm eligible for £12 a week. Renting my own flat rather than sharing is going to be quite a stretch to my finances but I feel I need to for awhile for the sake of my sanity! The HB would be a considerable help, but obviously if I'd cop for a huge unpaid Council Tax bill in the process then its not worth it.

Caz3121

If you are over 25 then they will use the one bedroom rate however if you are under it is the shared room rate irrespective of whether you share or have your own place
you can find the LHA here https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/Secure/Default.aspx

Duncombe

Savickas wrote: »

Gross income is just over £14,000. I hadn't even considered that I'd be eligible for HB until I stumbled across the benefits calculator on the council website when looking up council tax bands, but it seems like I'm eligible for £12 a week. Renting my own flat rather than sharing is going to be quite a stretch to my finances but I feel I need to for awhile for the sake of my sanity! The HB would be a considerable help, but obviously if I'd cop for a huge unpaid Council Tax bill in the process then its not worth it.

The council can come and chase you for this bill regardless of whether you rent another property or not. That could be now, or in 10 years time.

You mention that your finances would be stretched if you rented alone. Do you have any form of safety net should your income drop? I only ask as your entitlement to HB will be at the lowest possible rate (I am assuming your under 25 - correct me I'f im wrong).

[Deleted User]

If you were questioned about the previous property can't you just act daft and say you thought it was included in your rent?:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Savickas

Duncombe wrote: »

The council can come and chase you for this bill regardless of whether you rent another property or not. That could be now, or in 10 years time.

You mention that your finances would be stretched if you rented alone. Do you have any form of safety net should your income drop? I only ask as your entitlement to HB will be at the lowest possible rate (I am assuming your under 25 - correct me I'f im wrong).

I'm 27 alas! Messed about and flitted between jobs for several years in my late teens/early twenties before going back to uni, hence my graduating at a relatively decrepit age.

I don't have any form of financial safety net should I lose my job, but I am on a permanent contract and well established in the job. The rent for my new place falls well under the housing allowance for single-bedroom accomodation too so in the event that I was to be made redundant I think my rent would be covered by benefits?

Savickas

Deleted_User wrote: »

If you were questioned about the previous property can't you just act daft and say you thought it was included in your rent?:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I'll probably have to play dumb in the event that they do ask any awkward questions!