Council tax - Potential arrears on single person discount

mkfr

I moved in with a friend a couple of years ago on a temporary basis, which eventually turned in to a permanent fixture. I changed my bank details about a year and a half ago, and registered to vote just before the last general elections back in early 2015.

The friend I moved in with had been receiving the single persons discount, and I think he still is.

My place of work recently received a call from the council asking to speak to me about my council tax, not understanding the situation I was in, they didn't put me through to speak to them. I don't know why they tried contacting me before my house mate, or how they even got my work phone number for that matter.

What is the next step for me/my house mate, surely it's his responsibility and not mine (not that I wouldn't offer to help out)? And I've heard about fees that get added on to any existing arrears, is this true?

Nobbie1967

Get your housemate to contact the council with the dates you were in residence and ask for a bill to take account of the fact that the single person's discount should be removed. Simples

mkfr

I'm not sure what date to give as the actual residency date. I suppose officially it was when I changed my banking details (and moved all my stuff in)... Right?

marliepanda

mkfr wrote: »

I'm not sure what date to give as the actual residency date. I suppose officially it was when I changed my banking details (and moved all my stuff in)... Right?

It's the date you started living there.

Kynthia

mkfr wrote: »

I'm not sure what date to give as the actual residency date. I suppose officially it was when I changed my banking details (and moved all my stuff in)... Right?

The date you moved in. Where you paying council tax where you left as the end date of that would be relevant?

So are you your friend's lodger rather than equal housemates? If so the council tax is their responsibility just as is declaring any rental income you pay to them to the HMRC.

pmlindyloo

What is your friend's position? Is he renting/owns his own home?

If renting, were you added to the tenancy agreement? Do you have a lodger's agreement if he owns his own home?

Where did you live previously?

mkfr

there's no official agreement between us both, no "lodgers agreement" or anything like that. he is the owner of his home. There was about a 6 month transition period where I just stayed mainly on weekends, after that I moved in permanently.

Will it just be the discount that will need paying back or are there any fees on top?

Edit 2: I lived with my Grandparents previously. They were homeowners.

pmlindyloo

If you left all of your possessions at your grandparents' home and you were just visiting at the weekend then you should use the date when the move was permanent. Do make sure that this is not after you changed your bank details/gave new address to any other 'official' bodies (e.g.changing driver's licence etc) as the council can cross reference check with many organisations.

they still may question the date. if necessary your grandparents could write and say when you moved out permanently but not having any other official links with your friend's property is vital.

Without wishing to pry, if you and your friend are living as a couple then you would also be jointly and severally liable for the council tax.

Failure to notify of a change of circumstances can also incur a penalty (I think it is £70) but is not always made.

Your friend must notify of the change of circumstances asap.

mkfr

Thanks for the info, great help.

We aren't a couple. So I'm assuming this means all of this is his responsibility (legally speaking).

maninthestreet

Interesting to know how the council knew where you worked. Have you filled in any HMRC tax returns since you moved into this property?

mkfr

Nope, all I've been on a salary with the same company for 5+ years, no extra sources of income. I do pay CMS, which goes through my work, but I didn't think they could legally obtain information that way.