Can I claim Council Tax "Single Person Discount" retrospectively

HighFlyethan

Hi there folks,

So I discovered this evening that since I moved into my flat In October 2018 I haven't been claiming the single person discount. I am french and I was informed about it by a friend
I lived solo until the March 2019 when a friend asked if he could sleep on my couch a couple of months until he save enough money to get back on his feet.
I accepted and he left end of January 2020
He did not contribute to any of the bills or council tax all is in my name. 
the only thing is that he had is letters delivered to my place   
Basically I want to know if (in general as I know it varies) a council would refund in these circumstances 
My council is Royal Borough Kingston upon Thames 
and also considering that he want to contact another council to say he was sleeping on my couch (so giving my address) and need a place
basically I wonder what your thoughts are on this situation to back date it. 
Thanks guys

KatrinaWaves

You can claim it from your move in date to March 2019. And then from end of Jan 2020.

You can not claim it whilst your friend lived there. 

pmlindyloo

I agree with KatrinaWaves.
The length of time your friend lived there means he was more than just a visitor.
When you apply for the single person's discount it would be sensible to give details of when your tenancy started, the date your friend moved in and moved out and, if possible, the address of your friend when he moved.  The council usually ask for proof that your friend has moved out.

CIS

HighFlyethan said:

Hi there folks,

So I discovered this evening that since I moved into my flat In October 2018 I haven't been claiming the single person discount. I am french and I was informed about it by a friend
I lived solo until the March 2019 when a friend asked if he could sleep on my couch a couple of months until he save enough money to get back on his feet.
I accepted and he left end of January 2020
He did not contribute to any of the bills or council tax all is in my name. 
the only thing is that he had is letters delivered to my place   
Basically I want to know if (in general as I know it varies) a council would refund in these circumstances 
My council is Royal Borough Kingston upon Thames 
and also considering that he want to contact another council to say he was sleeping on my couch (so giving my address) and need a place
basically I wonder what your thoughts are on this situation to back date it. 
Thanks guys

There isn't any particular issue preventing a backdated claim although some councils do, incorrectly, try to artificially restrict it. The legislation is same across every council.

Providing your friend was using the property as their 'sole or main residence' then you cannot receive the 25% discount for the period. It would, in this case, almost certainly be their 'sole or main residence' for the period in question.