Re single person council tax discount

katejo

I currently have a lodger who is about to move out. My local council has said that I cannot have my single person discount back unless I give them my lodger's new address. I object to this as it is no proof that I don't have a new lodger. Has this approach been adopted in other areas? I am in Waltham Forest.

jamesml

This is fairly standard. Why would you object? Whats the point? Just give them the address and save 25% on your council tax - they are hardly going to care if you object, it makes them more money.

dzug1

Agree with James

They are not asking for proof you do not have a new lodger. They are asking for proof (of a sort) that the old one has gone

scheming_gypsy

You object to sending them their new address because it's no proof you don't have a new lodger?

You either want the discount or you don't. If you want it, send them the information they asked for; if you don't want it keep coming up with daft ideas.

Errata

Of course it isn't proof you don't have a new lodger. When and if you do have a new lodger you declare it.

Freecall

I think that you are being a bit hard on the OP.

It may be ‘standard’ but that is not the point, the fact is that a declaration from the OP that the house is in single occupancy should be taken at face value.

I would make sure that a dated declaration of fact is made to the council and then if the council still wants more information I would ask them to identify the basis of its legal powers to do so.

My local authority sends out a form with all sorts of stuff on it (previous address, length of time there etc.) if you just leave it all blank they still accept the declaration.

scheming_gypsy

Freecall wrote: »

I think that you are being a bit hard on the OP.

It may be ‘standard’ but that is not the point, the fact is that a declaration from the OP that the house is in single occupancy should be taken at face value.

.

But the OP's gripe is that it's no proof they haven't replaced the lodger. They're complaining that the council aren't doing enough to ensure it is a single occupancy.

lazer

What if the old lodger won't give you his new address?

IMO - it is wrong for them to ask this - they are asking you to obtain information that you have no right to have

katejo

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

But the OP's gripe is that it's no proof they haven't replaced the lodger. They're complaining that the council aren't doing enough to ensure it is a single occupancy.

You have missed the point 100%

I am saying that the council should accept my statement that I have sole occupancy. My lodger's new address is none of their business. He is getting a flat with a partner. Even if he gave me the address (as he probably will) I would not feel I could pass it to the council without his agreement. With my previous lodgers I only had to ring the council and tell them.

katejo

Freecall wrote: »

I think that you are being a bit hard on the OP.

It may be ‘standard’ but that is not the point, the fact is that a declaration from the OP that the house is in single occupancy should be taken at face value.

I would make sure that a dated declaration of fact is made to the council and then if the council still wants more information I would ask them to identify the basis of its legal powers to do so.

My local authority sends out a form with all sorts of stuff on it (previous address, length of time there etc.) if you just leave it all blank they still accept the declaration.

I have already offered this but they have said no to it. I can only conclude that want to spy on my lodger and check that he is paying at his new address. What would happen if a lodger gave a false address ?

Errata

katejo wrote: »

You have missed the point 100%

I am saying that the council should accept my statement that I have sole occupancy. My lodger's new address is none of their business. He is getting a flat with a partner. Even if he gave me the address (as he probably will) I would not feel I could pass it to the council without his agreement. With my previous lodgers I only had to ring the council and tell them.

And now you can't because the system has changed. If the council are asking you to provide the lodger's new address, tell them you don't know what it is. It really is as simple as that.