Council tax rules on joint tenancy

grrrrrowl

Hi All,

Was wondering if anyone could help me on this:-

I am currently on a joint tenancy with someone who is working full time but is not my partner. I am currently on ESA support group, enhanced rate PIP and SDP.

Individually I would get a 100% reduction on my council tax bill and I was wondering if that removes my liability for council tax under a joint tenancy?

If not would I still be able to apply for reductions even though the 2nd person is working full time?

Thanks

Housing_Benefit_Officer

You are jointly and severally liable for the Council Tax - meaning your Council could chase either of you for 100% of the Council Tax. Your liability isn't removed. You remain liable irrespective of your financial circumstances.

You can claim help towards the Council Tax but only up to a maximum of 50% of your Council Tax.

Only about 1 in 5 Local Authorities give 100% help towards Council Tax now. Council Tax Benefit was scrapped last year and each Local Authority runs their own scheme with their own local rules.