Council Tax Question (On benefits) ?

MasterPJ

I share this flat with another person who is in full time work. I am wondering if I should be paying council tax or not?

As it stands we get 25% off because of me. And I have come to an agreement to pay the other 25%. But is the intention of job seekers and housing benef it to cover this 25%?

Just curious as again this may save me money moving flat. (If I can get enough for a deposit together)

CIS

If you are both joint tenants then there should be no 25% discount awarded nor should there be any Second Adult Rebate.

You would need to claim Council Tax Benefit in your own right and you would be awarded up to 50% of the Council Tax charge in Council Tax Benefit.

Irrespective on any Council Tax Benefit you may be awarded, if you are a joint tenant then you are also liable for any Council Tax due on the property if it is not paid - your not just liable for 50%.

MasterPJ

Im a little confused by your posting. I'm awaiting a letter to come via the post confirming the council tax position I have only gone by what someone said to me.

Are you saying that I would have no entitlement to a council tax reduction given we are under a joint tenants agreement?

*We live in Glasgow.

MasterPJ

I do understand we are both ultimately responsible for paying the council tax. Say if my flatmate or I decide not to pay it then we would both be in trouble, not just one.

CIS

Are you saying that I would have no entitlement to a council tax reduction given we are under a joint tenants agreement?

Unless your entitled to a council tax disregard (e.g a student, carer etc) then you can't get any reduction via the council tax system and you would have to apply via council tax benefit. I can't see , from what you've said, why your getting a 25% discount at the moment.

Any reduction would have to be via you claiming council tax benefit (to a maximum of 50% of the overall charge).

I do understand we are both ultimately responsible for paying the council tax. Say if my flatmate or I decide not to pay it then we would both be in trouble, not just one.

That's correct

MasterPJ

Thanks for your help,

Im currently recieving - Job Seekers Allowance and Housing benefit. Flat mate is in full time employment earning I believe something in the 24,000 range/year.

Like I said above i've just gone by what someone has told me regarding this 25% and awaiting the process of my claim. I expected this to be all updated due to my 'Housing Benefit' claim but im not sure it has.

I think the best thing is to head down tomorrow and discuss this with them. Because if no reduction is given then I simply have no choice but to move to a cheaper flat still. As this would mean I would only have £16/Month for food.

CIS

The only 25% discount that would be available would Second Adult Rebate (2AR) but that would not apply as your are joint tenants. You may be entitled to an amount of Council Tax Benefit between 0% and 50% of the total Council Tax charge.

Both Council Tax Benefit and 2AR are assessed from the same claims form and you are awarded whichever applies to your circumstances.

MasterPJ

Thanks for all your help - really appreciate it.

I think i've found the form it is asking for a non-dependant income and from what I can tell is how much it will be reduced by is determined by that. Our flat is Band C (£1078) and his earning is £460/week. Do you know of somewhere that would tell me how much it would be reduced by? I understand the rates are based on your county. Glasgow being mine.

CIS

Your not a non-dependent so a non-dependent deduction would not apply.

Any Council Tax Benefit claim you make would be solely on your income and circumstances and you would be awarded Council Tax Benefit of up to £539.00 (1/2 of the full charge).

CIS

Housing Benefit would be based on the relevant LHA rate (again on your income and circumstances)

Details of the LHA rates can be found here - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_196239

MasterPJ

Many thanks again - I'm feeling a little less worried now