Rossendales and council tax reduction

NicolaElize

I've just had a letter from Rossendales for the full years council
Tax following a liability order, admittedly I've stupidly buried my head in the sand but obviously I know I can't do it forever, however my partner and I have just signed up for job seekers allowance and made a housing benefit claim. I'm waiting to hear back but I expect to get a council tax reduction too which is credited to your account for the remainder of the tax year. As the amount with Rossendales is the full years worth and I would expect the council tax reduction to be approximately £600 ish, how does this translate to my debt with Rossendales?
Will I even get a reduction as it's been passed on?

If anyone has any experience with this I would be grateful. I'm going to phone Rossendales later today but don't expect them to be much help!

Thanks in advance

HappyMJ

If you've paid the council tax in advance then the council sends you a cheque when you claim part way through the year.

They can also use those amounts to offset any debt you have with the council so eventually you will owe a lot less. They can also deduct a small amount from your benefits to pay for your arrears.

Rossendales will still chase the entire years debt but the amount will be getting smaller each week as you are being credited with support.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

Speak to the Council Tax department ak if they can suspend recovery action by the bailiffs for 28 days as you have made a claim for benefits. Separately speak to the bailiffs explain you are now unemployed and have a claim for benefits going through and the debt is likely to be reduced. Ask to make a token payment as a sign of good faith and ask if they can suspend recovery action for 28 days while benefit claim is going through. Ask for an income and expenditure form ask that once benefits have been dealt with to make a payment arrangement to clear whatever is outstanding.

Also once benefit is dealt with ask the council tax department is they can make direct deductions from your benefits rather than collection via the bailiffs.