Do Councils accept retrospective council tax exemption claims?

camelopardis

Hi,

After my success with getting my council tax banding lowered, I have been browsing and just found out that there is a specific council tax exemption as follows:

Class J - Properties Left Empty by People Living Elsewhere to Provide Care to Another Person
Properties left empty because the owner or tenant has gone to live elsewhere to provide care to another person are exempt from payment of Council Tax.

I didnt know this.

My wife and I left our house and moved in to her fathers to look after him while he was ill. This was from 2002 until 2004 when he died. We then moved back into our own home.

We didn't officially change our address with the council - we just visited our own home once or twice a week to pick up post. etc. However, we did officially change our address with the local health centre 9it will be on NHS records). Also, all our neighbours would be able to verify that we had moved out, plus the careworker firm that sent people in every day to my father-in-laws.

Do you think the council would accept a retrospective claim? Or is it time limited?

hodgester

there is no legal time limit. Councils will however make it difficult for you as it is so late being claimed and is more difficult for them (and you) to confirm your circumstances at that period. I would make your application, in writing, together with whatever physical evidence you can provide. I'd omit neighbour statements though, that's anecdotal rather than 'hard' evidence.

If you need any further help, just ask.