Never received a rates bill.

WeeBee

I have never received a rates bill. I had contacted the rates agency twice, and they even visited my property last year, but still no bill.
How many years back can they claim from me?

saverbuyer

Is it a new build?


Answer = forever. I don't think there's a limitation period for property rates.

WeeBee

No. Been in a few years

saverbuyer

WeeBee wrote: »

No. Been in a few years

You bought as a new build though?

murphy306

Be careful, they were contacted by us when we built our house but never sent out a bill despite numerous telephone calls and letters sent by recorded delivery. They then landed a bill on us for 5 years demanding payment all in one go. Would not have minded but it was over £12k

WeeBee

thats what I am afraid of. Is there nothing in law preventing them claiming back rates when its their fault?

HappyMJ

WeeBee wrote: »

thats what I am afraid of. Is there nothing in law preventing them claiming back rates when its their fault?

If it's any consolation they'll accept a payment plan.

murphy306

We tried a payment plan with them but they said no they wanted the full payment. We started paying it off weekly immediately £50-100 per week and also paid lump sums but no they were not happy and took us to EJO and are in the process of taking a charging order. Even though we have paid it fairly much up to date apart from 2014/2015 they are still hammering on with it for a couple of grand

WeeBee

If it comes to it, I will take legal advice. I'm sure there is legislation somewhere preventing them going back infinitely, especially when its their fault

saverbuyer

WeeBee wrote: »

thats what I am afraid of. Is there nothing in law preventing them claiming back rates when its their fault?

Set the money aside each month in a bank account.

Tansy_1980

I'd suggest that you make a formal complaint about their failure to respond properly to any of your previous contacts and request that they send you a bill and allow you an adequate number of years to address the arrears since they accumulated through LPS's incompetency. That said, you know that you're responsible for paying rates so they may not allow you any additional time to pay the debt, arguing that it is your responsibility to set aside payment each year.

Formal complaints usually go to someone higher up the food chain than the people who answer customer calls, so this is a good way of bringing your case to the attention of someone who can actually get things done.

I don't know that they'll give you longer than 2 years to pay off what is owed - that's usually the most generous they will be. They will initially ask you to pay off what is owed, including this year's bill by the end of this rating year, but you should try to contest this by pointing out that their inefficiency is solely to blame for the debt (but expect the same argument about your accepted responsibility for this bill to come back at you)