Council Tax

davetheman

We moved out of our morgaged property into a rented property eatly March and are awaiting repossion. I informed the council in February that we were doing this and wanted to be expempt from the old property.

Have sent loads of emails but all I am getting is the auto reply and then a human reply saing they have a back log to deal with.

Do I have to keep on paying until I get an exemption, we paid double in March and can't afford to keep paying council tax for two properties.

CIS

Do I have to keep on paying until I get an exemption, we paid double in March and can't afford to keep paying council tax for two properties.

Legally yes but its probably best to ring them rather than email and see if you can speak directly with someone.

confuzzled2012

hi, i'm in the same situation and you can get an exemption from old property for 6 months, once you get a repossession you can send them the repossession order and you get can a further exemption until they sell it. Legally we are responsible until house is sold, even after repossession but this is what my local council have told me.

IF

Hi Dave, hope these posts by Tim will help.

BB&B wrote: »

As the property is empty (the OP has moved out), and is including the mortgage shortfall in their bankruptcy, then they can apply for a Council Tax Exemption:

Q - Unoccupied dwellings in the possession of a trustee in bankruptcy

So I would contact the council and request an exemption form, fill it in and take it into the council (so that you get a receipt for it).

A lot of councils 'forget' to tell bankrupts who have moved out about this exemption .... I cant think why

Tim

BB&B wrote: »

An unoccupied property dwelling is exempt indefinitely where the liable Council Tax payer has been made bankrupt and liability would fall to a trustee in bankruptcy.

Again something Councils fail to tell people.

Ref SI 1993/150

Tim

Best wishes
If...x