10 year old council tax debt

Becles

Hubby has been sent a letter addressed to him at his Grandparents house regarding an outstanding council tax debt from a flat he rented in 1996-97. (He lived with his Grandparents for a while a few years back).

He's sure he paid the council tax up to the date he left the flat and until now, he wasn't aware he owed them any money. He can't remember the exact date he left the flat, and he doesn't have bank records or statements going back that far.

What is the best way of proceeding with this? Will he just have to pay up?

rog2

For any other alleged 'debt' I would say that, after 10 years, it is well and truly 'statute barred' and that once you have told the creditor that you will not be paying it, then they can not collect it.
I'm not too sure about Council Tax, though - why not have a word with CAB?

Broken_hearted

The oldest case I've seen chased an won by the council was a 28 year old rent arrears case. I think he may have to pay up but check just in case.

climbgirl

rog2 wrote: »

For any other alleged 'debt' I would say that, after 10 years, it is well and truly 'statute barred' and that once you have told the creditor that you will not be paying it, then they can not collect it.
I'm not too sure about Council Tax, though - why not have a word with CAB?

Yes, I'd second this, not sure that the statute barring applies to council tax.

How much is the debt they're claiming he owes? Can they show records and statements of how much he paid while he was there? I assume they'll be a bit better at providing records than DCAs!

angelavdavis

I think he should write back, mentioning that the letter in no way acknowledges the debt, and say that as far as he is concerned, the Council tax was up to date when he left the property and no further monies are owing them. Send recorded delivery and keep a copy.

If they respond, I suggest he follows the letter up with this letter. Include the paragraph about him not being aware that this money is owed to him before para 2.

It is their responsibility to prove the debt is his.

angelavdavis

climbgirl wrote: »

I assume they'll be a bit better at providing records than DCAs!

Don't you believe it - Local authorities are rubbish at maintaining information - or at least, they might have the data, but you are lucky/unlucky if they find it!! I doubt they will have little information older than 6 years because of the FOI policies. Having worked for a LA, I would be surprised if they can provide further proof and if OP's OH denies all knowledge of the debt, I think he is best off saying so and seeing what they come up with as proof.