intrusive questions on council tax form

evenasus

SandraScarlett wrote: »

Blimey! :eek: Forgive me asking, but is your property very big?

xx

Not really.

It's a 4 bedroom two bathroom house but it certainly isn't what I would call big.

kingfisherblue

princessdon wrote: »

No CT is going to be separate - Hence why the council are asking.

Each council have their own way of assessing someones income or disposable income to pay. Eg my LA are discounting childcare paid (less any Tax Credits), so I imagine they will ask for the childcare provider and costs.

In the case of OP if she is for example paying £60 of £90 DLA to care, mobility etc they *may* be counting only £30 as disposable income.

DLA is not just paid for care costs, though. My son gets DLA (and yes, I had to give details on the council tax benefit form), but some goes to pay the higher bills that result from his disability - additional gas because the heating needs to be on more than it would be otherwise, additional electricity because of the washing machine going on more often due to incontinence and vomiting, and tumble dryer because if I put wet washing over the radiators, the damp air affects his breathing. I also use more petrol, buy him plenty of books (which give him great pleasure and also help his reading), specialist toys, etc.

My son's DLA isn't disposable income, it goes towards the addititonal expenses caused by his disability.

dacouch

PasturesNew wrote: »

pfft.... that probably wouldn't get you much of a reduction

His real name is Justin

princessdon

kingfisherblue wrote: »

DLA is not just paid for care costs, though. My son gets DLA (and yes, I had to give details on the council tax benefit form), but some goes to pay the higher bills that result from his disability - additional gas because the heating needs to be on more than it would be otherwise, additional electricity because of the washing machine going on more often due to incontinence and vomiting, and tumble dryer because if I put wet washing over the radiators, the damp air affects his breathing. I also use more petrol, buy him plenty of books (which give him great pleasure and also help his reading), specialist toys, etc.

My son's DLA isn't disposable income, it goes towards the addititonal expenses caused by his disability.

That's why I put *may* I have no idea what her local authority are doing. I know mine had originally set tariffs re how much care was paid out, following consultation it is now £1 pw for all for this year.

So they abandoned this method - they are still sticking to the childcare removal for working parents which is a good thing.

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

@OP give us some examples of the intrusive questions.
I believe you by the way. The govt is getting very big brother and benefits claimants unfortunately are coming in for a big wack of their civil liberties.
I hope they get what they are rightfully entitled too for all that crap.

princessdon

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver wrote: »

@OP give us some examples of the intrusive questions.
I believe you by the way. The govt is getting very big brother and benefits claimants unfortunately are coming in for a big wack of their civil liberties.
I hope they get what they are rightfully entitled too for all that crap.

She gave an example. Do use use DLA mobility in exchange for a car.

real1314

chubb17 wrote: »

I am in receipt of council tax benefit. I am disabled.

I have just received a form to apply for this for 2013/14 which is far more detailed than last year and in particular is asking what I do with my DLA ....... and if I use it to pay for a Motability car they want to see all the paperwork.

What the heck has this got to do with the Council and what are my rights not to reply?

Ok, let's call this out...

Does the form say "please tell us exactly what you do with your DLA"

or does it say "Do you use DLA for a Motability vehicle?" or possibly "Do you have a Motability vehicle?"

Mara69

evenasus wrote: »

Not really.

It's a 4 bedroom two bathroom house but it certainly isn't what I would call big.

Double the size of mine, so it seems fair that the CT is also nigh on double

kingfisherblue

real1314 wrote: »

Ok, let's call this out...

Does the form say "please tell us exactly what you do with your DLA"

or does it say "Do you use DLA for a Motability vehicle?" or possibly "Do you have a Motability vehicle?"

On my form, it asked whether any of the children had a disability and whether they received DLA. For my son I put yes. It then asked what rate of DLA for both care and mobility, and asked if the mobility component was used for a mobility car. It didn't ask what his DLA was spent on, whether it paid for care, etc.

dealer_wins

OP you dont have to answer any questions, just put the form in the bin!