Council Tax (on departure)?

pivotalgubbins

Hi folks,

Hope someone can help with a couple of quick queries. I am completing on my flat sale on 31 October and moving in with friends (until my related purchase is ready - long delays unfortunately).

I am notifying my council (Reading) that I will be moving on that date. I have currently made seven of ten instalments by Direct Debit with the next one due on 1 November 2014.

My questions are:

(1) Should I cancel by Direct Debit to stop the November payment coming out?
(2) Will I get a refund given that I've paid 70% of the annual bill but only occupied for about ~57% of the year. I realise it'll be minimal but how does it work?

Many thanks,
Ben

System

Don't cancel the d/d until you have moved, ring them once the sale is completed then stop the d/d.
They will send you either a bill or refund in a few weeks , My council took about 3 weeks to produce the bill we moved on the 3rd of the month and had to pay about £15 .

davidmcn

It's apportioned on a daily basis, so if you've overpaid you'll (eventually) get a refund.

I doubt that a failed direct debit will have any effect on what you're due to pay.

pivotalgubbins

Thanks both - I've already filed out the online form letting them know that I'll be moving out. I'll follow it up with a call/further form following completion so that they have the new owners details, etc.

I'll let the DD run for now then - doesn't seem worth the hassle of cancelling and any consequences due to Council's slow administration fees. If I finally get a refund I'll be happy.