We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Refused single person council tax discount?

Sarri_2
Posts: 53 Forumite
in Cutting tax
Hello
I'm hoping someone around here can clarify some advice I got from our local Council Tax department today.. I'm confused
I phoned to say that I'm currently living on my own as my partner has moved abroad, and isn't contributing to the mortgage or other household expenses any more (it's my house), so asked if I was eligible for for the reduced single person council tax rate. I explained that I'm expecting him to move back to the UK in 3-4 months, and was told that because of this, I wasn't eligible since they consider this to be the same as someone going on holiday. It doesn't seem to be the same as going on holiday to me, since he isn't earning any money (either here or abroad) and isn't contributing anything to the finances of my house.
Please can someone explain how this works better than the person I spoke to today? He did say he's going to send me the application form to fill in anyway, but that I'm unlikely to get it..? I'm confused, I've only got one income so surely I'm a single person??
Thanks,
Sarri
I'm hoping someone around here can clarify some advice I got from our local Council Tax department today.. I'm confused

I phoned to say that I'm currently living on my own as my partner has moved abroad, and isn't contributing to the mortgage or other household expenses any more (it's my house), so asked if I was eligible for for the reduced single person council tax rate. I explained that I'm expecting him to move back to the UK in 3-4 months, and was told that because of this, I wasn't eligible since they consider this to be the same as someone going on holiday. It doesn't seem to be the same as going on holiday to me, since he isn't earning any money (either here or abroad) and isn't contributing anything to the finances of my house.
Please can someone explain how this works better than the person I spoke to today? He did say he's going to send me the application form to fill in anyway, but that I'm unlikely to get it..? I'm confused, I've only got one income so surely I'm a single person??
Thanks,
Sarri
0
Comments
-
Looking at some council sites they say that someone working away from home or taking extended holidays are not usually enough to give rise to a Single Person Discount.
His ability to earn or not isn't a factor.
One site mentioned a court case and it concluded that in such situations the time spent away from your main residence is largely irrelevant when you "intend to return".
I guess the intend to return is the bit they are considering.
You can appeal against their decision stating your reasons why. Although it probably wont be worth the time. A 25% discount for 3 months isn't probably worth the time spent in dealing with it.I am an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA). The comments I make are just my opinion and are for discussion purposes only. They are not financial advice and you should not treat them as such. If you feel an area discussed may be relevant to you, then please seek advice from an Independent Financial Adviser local to you.0 -
should have just told you are living alone now, and then when your partner returns ring them up and say that you are not alone anymore.0
-
Technically it is correct not to give you the discount - it comes under the intention to return rules as your property is ordinarily his the sole or main residence .
The number of incomes coming in to a property doesn't affect the amount of council tax a person is liable for - you need to speak to Council Tax Benefits for any help with that.I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.0 -
duplicate postI no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.0
-
Thanks very much for the clarification - seems like it's a non-starter then. I know a 25% discount isn't huge but it all helps.
Cheers, Sarah0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.4K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.3K Spending & Discounts
- 243.4K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.6K Life & Family
- 256.5K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards