Council tax owed

anonymousx3

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CIS

Neither can I pay off this debt, but I the only feature of my circumstances which have changed is the fact that I have a friend staying (who has nowhere else to go at present).

You would have lost your single person discount and your Council Tax Benefit would need to be adjusted for a non-dependent deduction as your friend is resident.

I would hazard a guess that they have made the maximum non-dependent deduction based on an assumed income for your friend of £8.60 per week in the absence of any other information.

I was also blissfully unaware that by having someone living at my property, that the council tax would increase -- I've had someone staying since August this year but they haven't acquired any form of employment.

Ignorance of the system will not be regarded as a defence. Your benefit award letters (and council tax demands) make it clear that any change of circumstances should be notified.

Neither can I pay off this debt, but I the only feature of my circumstances which have changed is the fact that I have a friend staying (who has nowhere else to go at present).

You need to speak with the council as soon as possible to ensure that the details they have are correct.

anonymousx3

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[Deleted User]

apart from dla what other benefits do you receive?

CIS

Why can't one's lack of knowledge be used as a defense? (i.e. how else could someone act upon that which they don't know?)

The law puts the onus on a person to go and find out if they are entitled to anything.

In this case though the 'ignorance' appears to have been in not reporting a change in circumstances when all claim forms etc will advise you of your requirement to keep the council updated.

And this doesn't explain why I suddenly owe almost 1000 pound despite no changes to my benefits (my friend hasn't been with me since February, and I believe it was February that I become entitled to the council tax benefit that they granted me)

I would suspect that they believe your circumstances have changed at an earlier date. The friend moving in is a potential change in your benefit entitlement (and certainly a change to your council tax discount entitlement) and should have been reported.

anonymousx3

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anonymousx3

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CIS

He also told the council that he was staying at mine so they could find him a place while he stays at mine, so I've also assumed that they would of known the situation given that he admitted that he was staying at mine.

Its your responsibility as the claimant to ensure that your benefit claim/council tax is correct.

fluffymovie

If you receive DLA care, there should not be a non dep deduction

mazza111

It clearly states on HB and CTB forms that you must notify them of any change in circumstances. You haven't done this, therefore have built up the overpayment.

When you say you are on no other benefits, do you work? I am trying to get a clearer picture of why you are on no other benefits. Unless of course if you have savings.

anonymousx3

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