Refused single person council tax discount?

Sarri_2

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

dunstonh

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.

avi_3

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.

CIS

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.

CIS

duplicate post

Sarri_2

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, Sarah