Council tax single discount - arrears

LMS123

Hi,
I have claimed single person discount of 25% for over 2 years but for the last 18months my partner has been living at my home. We had split up and he was living in rented accommodation and I was on my own, hence claiming the discount.
But 18 months ago he was taken very ill and was in hospital. On his discharge, it was suggested by the nursing staff that it would be better for him not be alone whilst he recovered. So he came back to my house temporarily while he recovered. His flat lease then expired and he couldn't renew it as he was still off sick from work and on SSP so couldn't afford another lease. He became ill again, was back in hospital, but has now recovered.
Suffice to say, he's still at my house but has returned to work. During this time I didn't inform the council that I was no longer alone as I was unsure whether he'd be with me for any long amount of time. (Yes stupid, I know).
I've received a Review letter from the council re the SPD and have replied immediately stating that I've claimed the discount for 18 months when I shouldn't have. I have apologised and stated that I wish to pay any arrears and penalties in full ASAP.
Will the council accept this or will they take further action? I've offered my apologies and offered full payment inc. any penalties but will that be enough?

CIS

That should be OK - they'll accept the information. It may be best to get a signed statement from your partner though.

It's very unlikely you'll get anything other than a revised council tax notice (in both names). Any arrears prior to this year could be demanded in 1 payment although in most cases they'll just roll in to this years and issue a new notice with revised instalments.

Craig

LMS123

Oh thanks for the reply, Craig. I've always been so prompt in paying any bills etc that this has been niggling me for a while and I should have done something about it long before now.
But you've put my mind at rest. However, I won't be a totally happy bunny until I get the reply from the council. I'm absolutely mortified with myself!
Thanks again.

CIS

It's very rare for a local authority to take any further legal action (outside of the standard council tax recovery) - in a decade of council tax I've only heard of a very small number of cases where the council have.

Craig

LMS123

I got a revised council tax bill yesterday - with no penalties!
I've to pay all the arrears within this tax year up to April on a revised, increased monthly amount. Phew!
I'm so relieved it's been sorted out.