Council tax 200 percent increase

Dunnyread

I have been renovating my late fathers bungalow for last 2 years . Prior to this Dad had been in a care home for 3 years because he had Parkinson’s and Dementia. We’d always maintained the garden but inside it needed a full refurbishment. The council charged us 100 per cent council tax once it went through probate because they said it had been unoccupied over 2 years. Now it’s near completion and we are just about to put it on the market . My husband is now out of work through the pandemic and all our money is tied up in the property. I work full time so we don’t get benefits.Yesterday the council sent me a new tax bill and the council tax has gone up to 200 per cent charge, it’s over 440 pounds per month and we just can’t afford it . Is there anything we can do . It’s made me feel ill . 

elmer

 It depends on how long its been empty and your councils policies on empty homes, however I think you have nothing to lose by writing in and asking for a discretionary delay, at the minute, especially if you think it is likely to sell quite quickly. Presumably you haven't previously had an extension to the 100% rate?

You will need to do it in writing though

hope this helps

elmer

Dunnyread

thank you Elmer including the period My dad was in a care home the property has been empty over 6 years . I will try got nothing to loose just can’t afford 440 pounds per month 

CIS

Dunnyread said:

I have been renovating my late fathers bungalow for last 2 years . Prior to this Dad had been in a care home for 3 years because he had Parkinson’s and Dementia. We’d always maintained the garden but inside it needed a full refurbishment. The council charged us 100 per cent council tax once it went through probate because they said it had been unoccupied over 2 years. Now it’s near completion and we are just about to put it on the market . My husband is now out of work through the pandemic and all our money is tied up in the property. I work full time so we don’t get benefits.Yesterday the council sent me a new tax bill and the council tax has gone up to 200 per cent charge, it’s over 440 pounds per month and we just can’t afford it . Is there anything we can do . It’s made me feel ill . 

The additional increase has to meet certain specific requirements to apply. The easiest way is to make sure it's no longer substantially unfurnished.

Dunnyread

dunstonh said:

.Yesterday the council sent me a new tax bill and the council tax has gone up to 200 per cent charge, it’s over 440 pounds per month and we just can’t afford it .

I'm band G and that is double what we are paying.    Is there some sort of back payment being recovered into figure or is the house a band H category.

It’s band D and no arrears. It’s been unoccupied for a few years due to my dad been in a care home and then us renovating it . They’ve added this premium .