Red Council Tax Letters and "Fair Rent"

realitybet

Hi all,

I've put in a claim for council tax/housing/incapacity benefit all clamis were registered back in mid april. I have a job but off sick don't qualify for any sick pay (or SSP) as been there under 8 weeks.

I've started getting red letters threatening summons etc on council tax... but obviously i'm waiting for them to process my claim so i can pay the council tax. As we all know they take AGES and although it's been agreed i do qualify i still have to wait for it to be processed! Should I be worried about these red council tax letters? It says next their will be a summons for the full amount and a charge for £50! Surely I can't be liable for that?

Does counil tax affect your credit rating if paid late ??

Also, regarding rent, I have a letteing agents as landlord apparently my property will be subject to a fair rent adjusment as it's a private property! Will this delay my claim? And am i likely to be paid less than the actual rent? The property is 1 bed flat nothing flash avaerage price for the area.

Cheers

Hapless_2

yes council tax does affect your credit rating. If you are under 25 you will only get housing benefit equivelent for a 1 room bedsit as a rule.

realitybet

I'm 27 so should be ok there!

So COuncil Tax does affect your credit rating? Which agency do they use? Find it a bit harsh that council tax is going to be paid but it affects my credit rating until it is !!

CIS

Council Tax does not affect your credit rating (unless they push for bankruptcy which is rare) , we do not have the powers to affect credit ratings althought it would be nice to have those powers, makes recovering money a bit easier. The summons and liability order are only recorded with the court and the Council Tax dept.

From a legal point of view, you are responsible for paying any Council Tax due whilst awaiting benefits although in most cases if you speak to your Council Tax department they will hold recovery whilst your waiting.

realitybet

Thanks for that. At least rating is safe. I'll wait and if i get the summons i'll contact the benefit place again.

CIS

If you get the summons it will cost you and most councils will be more reluctant to withdraw the summons than they will be to hold the account before it gets to that stage.

Hapless_2

erm, if it goes to court it certainly does go on your credit record, as my late mother found out when they messed her claim up.
BUT only if it goes further than liability order.

realitybet

I got the first red letter today rang the council they said they won't delay recovery and continue as normal. i spoke to the benefit agency and they said this was correct. so there not willing to hold it as yet. it may take upto another 4 weeks for it to be paid up as well

TheWaltons_3

realitybet wrote: »

I got the first red letter today rang the council they said they won't delay recovery and continue as normal. i spoke to the benefit agency and they said this was correct. so there not willing to hold it as yet. it may take upto another 4 weeks for it to be paid up as well

Write a letter explaining your situation, enclose a cheque or PO for a tenner or whatever you can afford, send it recorded delivery and keep a copy - be entirely honest.

What else can you do? If you are waiting for you claim.. you will have to wait, but if you show you are concerned and trying to resolve this issue, as you obviously are, hence your post, then I am sure they won't keep harassing you.

good luck