council tax issue

bettyangel78

Hi,

I moved in to a property in 2011 and moved out in January 2013. Until September 2012 I was a student and therefor was exempt from the council tax. I did however live with someone else who was never registered at the address but moved in the same time I did. It was an honest lapse in judgement and when I got a letter saying about what I owed from October 2012 on, the other person got a letter saying what they owed since we had moved in. I spoke to the council and they said that the other person could have their payments reduced down to 35 a month and a letter would be sent. Well we never received a letter and like I said, in January we moved out. The other person moved back to the States (where they were from) and I moved in to my parents as a temporary solution. Due to other reasons I have not worked since. It was all a very rushed thing and I realized the other day that I had not let the council know I was moving. I have not paid any council tax from when I was meant to start paying it but want to as I obviously don't want to go to jail!! But not having a job I can't afford to pay the 137 a month that was asked.
I sent a web form over to the council on Saturday but I want to call and speak to someone.
My concern is that they won't reduce the payments for me, a bailiff will have been sent to he house (even though we weren't there and because of that I won't know about) and I'll be sent to court. Do you think they will likely reduce the payments for me since I have clearly reached out to them? And since the other person has left the country will I be liable to pay the amount that was given to them, even though I was exempt at the time?
This whole situation is making me so ill with anxiety issues as it's just freaking me out so much.
If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it.

CIS

My concern is that they won't reduce the payments for me, a bailiff will have been sent to he house (even though we weren't there and because of that I won't know about) and I'll be sent to court

The case must have gone to court before a bailiff could be instructed - if the council aren't aware of a forwarding address for you then they can send all mail to the property. After this length of time it would be surprising if there hadn't at least been a court summons issued and a liability order granted.

If a liability order has been granted the council don't have to accept a payment arrangement, they can simply instruct a bailiff 14 days after the order has been granted.

The only way to resolve it and find out what has happened is to speak with them but the case is still a long way away from any attempt to have you jailed for non payment.

And since the other person has left the country will I be liable to pay the amount that was given to them, even though I was exempt at the time?

You will not have any charge to pay until you ceased being a full time student. Once you ceased being a student then you are jointly liable for the full charge and the council can pursue you for full payment from then (very likely if the other person is abroad).

quailpower

I dont know about liability with council tax but try not to panic too much!

I was doing the same thing a few weekends ago.

Because you have moved out of the property and are not paying council tax elsewhere, the debt will be a finalled debt (its never going to get bigger) so they will be able to accept a lower offer of payment.

Work out how much you can afford and offer them that over the phone, explain your circumstances, explain you've been daft (I always find the people on the phone will do much more for you if you are humble and polite).
The minimum most councils will accept is £3.50 per week.

They will usually accept a lower offer if you make a point of mentioning a review. Like " I was looking to pay £30PM for 6months then see how my finances are, they might be better - or ill phone back sooner if they improve"

Im currently on an agreement to pay £14.40 per month by DD for 6 months, after which I will phone them and review my finances.

As long as you show willing and act proactive, nothing bad will happen