Council tax - You will be able to pay over 12 months as from April

CIS

I can't see how this makes any difference? Surely the total amount is the same if you pay it over 10 or 12 months? Isn't it...

As has been alluded to its primarily designed to help those at the lower end who will be paying council tax for the 1st time and those who have restricted income.

If a person has a charge of £1000 or so (typical band A) then the difference is about £17.00 less per month for each instalment if its spread over 12 instead of 10 months.

merlot123

Thank you CIS for your input.

When do you expect to see an amendment to the law/bill if the Daily Mail is correct.

In my case, my monthly payments would go from £154 per month to £128 per month, and since I work in the public sector and had no pay increase for 3 years, it would certainly help me. It would be daft in my case not to spread over 12 months as it is interest free...every little really does help.

CIS

When do you expect to see an amendment to the law/bill if the Daily Mail is correct.

There may be powers in the original enacting regs to allow modification by way of an SI but I'm not sure on that - the amendment would need to be issued within the next month or so otherwise it gives no time to amend budgets and make provision for the billing changes which councils will need to make (not that government are too concerned in that respect).

fermi

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/3087/pdfs/uksiem_20123087_en.pdf

EDIT: Better link.

Mozette

CIS wrote: »

As has been alluded to its primarily designed to help those at the lower end who will be paying council tax for the 1st time and those who have restricted income.

If a person has a charge of £1000 or so (typical band A) then the difference is about £17.00 less per month for each instalment if its spread over 12 instead of 10 months.

Oh right - didn't want to miss out on a reduction if there was one.

CIS

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2...0123087_en.pdf

Thanks - I hadn't seen any reference to the regs having been amended yet therefore I hadn't looked.

I've just had a quick scan and it appears that the request for 12 instalments has to be made in writing - the default will still be 10 - the council do not have to offer if automatically. It just means that the council will have to accept the request for 12 months rather it being discretionary.

“(1A) Where a liable person requests by notice in writing to the billing authority to pay the amount mentioned in regulation 20(2) by 12 monthly instalments paragraphs (1B), (1C) and (1D) apply."

merlot123

Fermi, you are an absolute star, it's no wonder you are the board guide!

CIS, thank you too for highlighting the bit where one has to write a letter, I have done so and will post off tomorrow, or it too early?

CIS

CIS, thank you too for highlighting the bit where one has to write a letter, I have done so and will post off tomorrow, or it too early?

You can do but I would reference the regs to make sure - The Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) (Amendment) (No.2) (England) Regulations 2012 and regulation 2(13) - the part I quoted above.

[Deleted User]

antonic wrote: »

As I can afford to pay over 10 months, I appreciate having Feb & March as CT free months every year !.

So do I.

With Water Rates also over 10 months, it means I have over £100 extra left, each February and March.