Council tax-proving a negative

laurel7172

I opened a letter today, telling me that it had come to the council's attention that a Mr G. had moved out of my house on 30 April. I've been asked for details of when he arrived, when he left and threatened with the withdrawal of the single person's discount if I don't reply in 14 days.

The thing is-I don't know a Mr G. I live here with my two school-age children, and I think we would have noticed if he had moved in.

Obviously, I'll have to contact the council in the morning, but what could have triggered this? Nobody else stays over either, so it isn't as a result of a call from a concerned citizen. How do I prove a negative and how Kafkaesque is this likely to get?

ComeTheRevolution

I'd want a written explanation of why they sent that letter and why it was sent to arrive during a bank holiday w/e when you'd have to wait longer to be able to speak with someone.

In the meantime, give them all the dates they've asked for as 'not applicable'. Back up any telephone conversation with a letter or email, referring by name to the person you spoke to with date and time.

They're in chaos at the moment so it could have been meant for someone else.

agrinnall

laurel7172 wrote: »

Obviously, I'll have to contact the council in the morning, but what could have triggered this? Nobody else stays over either, so it isn't as a result of a call from a concerned citizen. How do I prove a negative and how Kafkaesque is this likely to get?

No, but it could be the result of a call from someone out to cause you trouble. Any possible candidates?

laurel7172

Thank you.

It seems it was a pure clerical error, as Mr G's letter to inform the council of his change of address *doesn't* have my address on it.

The man I spoke to was very helpful and apologetic, and hopefully that's the end of the matter.

Whew. That was easier than I feared