Outstanding council tax bill

Blily

In 2007 I moved in to a flat with my ex partner, previous to that I lived in sheltered accommodation due to being in care as a teenager. My ex partner was abusive, controlling and I moved out in late 2007 after being hospitalised. When we moved in together I was unemployed and we made a joint claim for JSA. My ex partner controlled everything and as a young care leaver I was very naive. When I moved out of the address the address was used as a correspondence address as I had no other address to give. Despite this I was classed as no fixed address with the Job Centre and our joint claim was seperated. In 2009 I moved into my first tenancy and paid council tax with no issues. I continue to pay council tax now with my husband in our new home. I am married, have a four year old son and another on the way. Today I received a letter addressed to myself and my ex. It says there is an outstanding debt on the account for my ex partner's property. I rang the council immediately to explain I did not live in the property for the time stated. They advised both myself and my ex was liable for the debt due to the joint claim in 2007. I did mention I was no fixed abode and the advisor stated this could be fraud as it was not declared! I made the Job Centre aware in 2007 but I can't confirm the dates as it is ten years ago. I have no idea what to do. I have been told to pay it or debt action will happen. I have emailed Citizen's advice but I'd like to know if anyone has been in a similar situation? I cannot contact my ex for obvious reasons and I am actually anxious that this will cause my ex to try and contact me.

McKneff

Can you afford to pay it

Blily

The debt is for roughly £299. We can afford to pay the debt on a payment plan, we think, but we haven't discussed this yet with the council. The debt is on hold for two weeks while I send a statement.

McKneff

To be honest i would just pay it, its over and done with and from then you wont need to give it a second thought.

No point in strining it out stressing and mithering over it, affecting family etc. Etc.