Council Tax charges for static caravan homes

CanfordCliffs

Hi all.

I have recently purchased a static caravan on a Caravan Holiday Park. I am living there with my wife permanently (except for the 6 weeks a year we have to vacate the property). Wehave been billed by the local council for Council Tax. We thought we were exempt but it appears that we will have to pay council tax to the council and a seperate rates payment to the caravan park.

Is there anyone who knows the rules on this and who can possibly point me in the direction of where I can obtain proof of the legal position on this issue please?

Many thanks in anticipation of your help.

Kind Regards

Buzby

I cannot quote chapter and verse as the rules in Scotland are slightly different. However, your situation is no different from anyone renting - the fact the site closes for 6 weeks is to benefit them, not you - as this indicates you gave no continued rights to continuous occupancy as the site owner will not have been given planning permission for permenant occupancy.

You will not be charged 'rates' by the site owner as this is what Council Tax is - you will have to pay site fees for the land used and the maintenance, perhaps even a contribution to mains water and sewerage.

The CT bill covers your legal requirement to pay a contribution for the county's police, fire and other services like social welfare, libraries, and the biggest hit of all, education.

If you could avoid CT by living in a caravan, we'd all be doing it - so there is no loophole to exploit. Depending on circumstance, rebates may be claimed based on earnings etc - check the Council's website for the exceptions and rebates for more, as only these will be relevant to your personal circumstances.

antrobus

CanfordCliffs wrote: »

...I have recently purchased a static caravan on a Caravan Holiday Park. I am living there with my wife permanently ...

I believe that the use of the word 'permanently' equates to a liability for CT.

CanfordCliffs wrote: »

...
Is there anyone who knows the rules on this and who can possibly point me in the direction of where I can obtain proof of the legal position on this issue please?

See Council Tax Manual Practice Note 7

http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/Publications/Manuals/CouncilTaxManual/council_tax_man_pn/p-ct-man-pn7.html

lincroft1710

As this is your main residence then it is right that you pay Council Tax. Any payment you make to the park owner as a contribution to his liability for non domestic rates on the park is between you and him.

The fact you cannot occupy the caravan for 6 weeks of the year is irrelevant for CT purposes, you chose to live on a park which is neither licensed nor designed for year round living.

roonaldo

CanfordCliffs wrote: »

We thought we were exempt but it appears that we will have to pay council tax to the council and a seperate rates payment to the caravan park.

I assume you want no resource to the police and fire brigade, also I assume you will go and empty your bins at a recycling center then.

CanfordCliffs

roonaldo wrote: »

I assume you want no resource to the police and fire brigade, also I assume you will go and empty your bins at a recycling center then.

I might have known someone with that username would reply in that way.

I was merely asking for clarification and after 32 years of paying taxes and council tax I don't need a lecture from you, thanks all the same.

To everyone else, many thanks for your time and advice. Much appreciated.

mel48rose

I used to own a holiday property. I had to pay CT even though the park was only open for 40 wks a year. Seems to be the norm apparently.

roonaldo

CanfordCliffs wrote: »

I was merely asking for clarification and after 32 years of paying taxes and council tax I don't need a lecture from you, thanks all the same.

it doesn't make you exempt, we all pay our taxes (well not some)

CanfordCliffs

I'm perfectly aware of that.

Still don't need a lecture, especiually from someone who tags himself Roonaldo.