Council Tax - Student Exemption

AndyPP

Hi All,

For the last 4 years I've been a mature full time student at uni, and been enjoying full exemption from Council tax at 2 properties in 2 different areas, 1 I own and 1 I rent. I am the sole occupier of both. The only issue I've had up until now, was last summer (2017) my uni was slow with getting out our exemption letters, which meant despite me telling them what was happening, Southend Council (where I rented) got to the point of getting a liability order for me to pay, and then Newlyn started chasing me. Very shortly after however, I got my exemption letter, sent it to the council, and they sent me the revised bill, saying I had full exemption and owed nothing.

I heard nothing else, until 4 weeks ago, 2 council people turned up at my door at 8 in the morning, saying they're investigating an allegation of fraud. They asked about 2 things, the first being why I'm registered at 2 addresses (all my mail has always gone to the other property) and if I live on my own, which I do. They left saying I might be called in for interview. Obviously worried, I went later that day to the CAB, who confirmed that the 2 homes isn't a problem, it's the property that's exempt if it's solely occupied by students, it's not means tested.

I've since moved out of the property as my course has finished and told them to send anything to my other address, which they've always used. They have now sent me a final bill for the full amount of last years Council tax, £1,300 odd, and now Newlyn have sent me a letter saying they are chasing the same amount, quoting the liability order from last summer!

Can anyone point me to what I should do first??

Thanks for your help,
Andy

unforeseen

I'm not sure that CAB are correct.

Exemption applies when the property is wholly OCCUPIED by a student.

You can't occupy two houses at the same time.

pennystretcher

If you have let the other property, the tenants would have been responsible for paying council tax on it, not you? Unless you let it out with rental including the council tax, which - for me at least - would have been very unusual.. I suggest you let the council know who lived in your let property and when..

slopemaster

I think you CAN occupy 2 properties at the same time, especially if you're a student with one address in term and one in vacation.
And I think OP is saying he rented a property from someone, not let it to someone.
Unfortunately I'm not able to advise OP what best to do. I would write again setting it out. But I seem to think I've heard you have to be extremely cautious if they demand an 'interview under caution'.
OP, you should repost this on the "Cutting Tax" forum. There are ppl there who are knowledgable about it.

AndyPP

Thanks All,

Sorry I wasn't clear, yes I rented the second property from someone. I stayed in the flat I owned 3 days a week and stayed in the rented house 4 days a week. By myself.

As advised I'll repost it in the right section.

Thanks again,

CIS

I have responded on - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5833087/council-tax-student-exemption&highlight=council+tax - as there are some relevant points that needs answered.