Council Tax-Joint and Several Liability..

Greeners65

My new partner is being hounded by a LA and Bailiffs for outstanding CT from her previous marriage

He had a conviction for domestic violence against her, so she has no contact with him what so ever.

She contacted the LA last year and they agreed to split the bill 50/50, but the next thing she knew was a bailiff on the door step.

She is not disputing liability, and they won't discuss any arrangements made with him.

She's at the end of her tether with it.

Is there any legal solution to this ?

Thanks

Brian

browneyedbazzi

The only real solution to being chased for outstanding council tax is to pay it.

peachyprice

Like you said in your title, the liability is joint and several, they will come after whoever is the easiest.

C_B1981

My friend split with his fiance 6 months ago and has had nothing to do with her since. He has received a letter from his LA this week demanding thousands of pounds in unpaid council tax from when they lived together. He gave her money each month in order to pay this and can show proof that the money was transferred from his bank account to hers. She has in effect stolen money from him while they were in a relationship and then hidden any letters or demands that were sent to them. Is there anything that he can do? He can't afford to have £200 per month taken straight from his wages for the next 10 months. She must be paying CT on wherever she lives (you would hope), so why can't the LA take more from her. She is the one who hasn't paid it. My friend transferred the money to her each month in good faith!

Delree

What legal way out are you looking for? You admit she owes it so she needs to god damn pay it. I pay mine for christ's sake.

pmlindyloo

C_B1981 wrote: »

My friend split with his fiance 6 months ago and has had nothing to do with her since. He has received a letter from his LA this week demanding thousands of pounds in unpaid council tax from when they lived together. He gave her money each month in order to pay this and can show proof that the money was transferred from his bank account to hers. She has in effect stolen money from him while they were in a relationship and then hidden any letters or demands that were sent to them. Is there anything that he can do? He can't afford to have £200 per month taken straight from his wages for the next 10 months. She must be paying CT on wherever she lives (you would hope), so why can't the LA take more from her. She is the one who hasn't paid it. My friend transferred the money to her each month in good faith!

You might be better starting your own thread to seek advice. Plus, this might be better on the Debt free wannabe board.

Go to Forums, click on the Debtfree wannabe forum and you will see New Thread in a box at the top left hand corner of the page. Copy and paste your post on there.

Greeners65

Delree wrote: »

What legal way out are you looking for? You admit she owes it so she needs to god damn pay it. I pay mine for christ's sake.

She's not looking to avoid payment, she's looking to pay half not the whole bill.

She's paid about 25%, but wants to ensure she doesn't get saddled with 100% of it.

The LA won't tell her want arrangements they've made with her Ex.

bristol_pilot

She is liable for the whole bill, that is what 'joint and several liability' means.

Better pay it, because not paying Council Tax is one of the few debts you can be jailed for.

The ex is also fully liable for the whole amount, but if he's done a runner the Council will come after the easiest target which is unfortunately her. They don't have any discretion about it.

CIS

The LA won't tell her want arrangements they've made with her Ex.

There wont be one, I suspect - trying to apportion any payment arrangement on a voluntary basis is a nightmare and avoided by most councils.

Any agreement she had with her partner is purely a personal one and she needs to address this with him - it has no bearing on the legal liability or the ability of the council to collect it from her.