Tenant Son expected to pay Council Tax

mbowditch

I was made redundant due to Covid in April, I am 61 and finding it absolutely impossible to find a job, my husband who is 70 and has on set dementia gets his state pension, we get universal credit to go towards our rent but nothing towards our council tax, which is £300 pm, they say we are not entitled to any reduction as our son, who they class as a tenant as he is 28 and works as a chef, should pay the council tax in full.  He is trying to save for his own place, why should he be responsible for it in full, that is so unfair.  Anyone else in this position, or advice on what to do please?

unkle

I would have thought the liable person is yourself and your husband jointly if you are the one's who hold the tenancy?

Which council?

McKneff

He should be paying his way though. Board and lodge surely. Just use some of that money to pay the council tax. 

MalMonroe

If your son is working and earning, any council would expect him to contribute to household expenses. And you should expect him, at 28 years old, to be paying you for his keep, too. I think £300 per month council tax is quite high, though - that's Band H, which is the most expensive banding.  Couldn't you downsize so your bills are all much smaller?  Have you done a council tax banding check? I think that might be a good thing to do. If you click on the link here   https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/council-tax-bands/council-tax-bills
and then put your postcode in at the top right hand side, it should give you the correct council tax bill for your home.

I am a single pensioner and my adult daughter lives with me, she is expected to contribute to household expenses so we're not eligible for any benefits whatsoever. She does pay for her board and council tax, even though she only works part time. I'd love to be in the position where I don't have to take it but I'm not and she is happy to pay her way. 

Justiceforme

If your son left the property, would you be able to claim for Council Tax reduction?  £300.00 a month, over 12 months it is £3.600 per year, not sure what band your are in.   I don't know where you live but this seems very expensive.  Have you checked this website out for certain conditions including mental impairment, that can reduce Council Tax?   Have you checked whether you are able to claim Carers Allowance for your husband, if he requires care.  Obviously your son should be paying towards his keep.
I suggest that your son may have left your property and reapply again under conditions.

Barny1979

Justiceforme said:

I suggest that your son may have left your property and reapply again under conditions.

Fraudulent claim?

lincroft1710

Unless your son owns or part owns the house he has no liability for CT.

As others have said £300 pm is exceptionally. Given your current financial situation. perhaps you should be looking to downsize and free up some capital. Your son should be contributing towards household bills, more especially because of your reduced income.

dunstonh

£300pm is significant.  I am band G and don't pay £300pm.   Have you considered moving house to something more affordable?

[Deleted User]

mbowditch said:

I was made redundant due to Covid in April, I am 61 and finding it absolutely impossible to find a job, my husband who is 70 and has on set dementia gets his state pension, we get universal credit to go towards our rent but nothing towards our council tax, which is £300 pm, they say we are not entitled to any reduction as our son, who they class as a tenant as he is 28 and works as a chef, should pay the council tax in full.  He is trying to save for his own place, why should he be responsible for it in full, that is so unfair.  Anyone else in this position, or advice on what to do please?

As a household you are not exempt from paying council tax.  There is a hierarchy of liability for council tax which is:

1. A resident owner-occupier who owns either the leasehold or freehold of all or part of the property.
2. A resident tenant.
3. A resident who lives in the property and who is a licensee - this means that they’re not a tenant, but have permission to stay there.
4. Any resident living in the property, for example, a squatter.
5. An owner of the property where no one is resident.

I'd say 3 describes your son.

lincroft1710

Lover_of_Lycra said:

mbowditch said:

I was made redundant due to Covid in April, I am 61 and finding it absolutely impossible to find a job, my husband who is 70 and has on set dementia gets his state pension, we get universal credit to go towards our rent but nothing towards our council tax, which is £300 pm, they say we are not entitled to any reduction as our son, who they class as a tenant as he is 28 and works as a chef, should pay the council tax in full.  He is trying to save for his own place, why should he be responsible for it in full, that is so unfair.  Anyone else in this position, or advice on what to do please?

As a household you are not exempt from paying council tax.  There is a hierarchy of liability for council tax which is:

1. A resident owner-occupier who owns either the leasehold or freehold of all or part of the property.
2. A resident tenant.
3. A resident who lives in the property and who is a licensee - this means that they’re not a tenant, but have permission to stay there.
4. Any resident living in the property, for example, a squatter.
5. An owner of the property where no one is resident.

I'd say 3 describes your son.

The OP is 1 in this hierarchy, 3 would only apply where no-one in the household fell into categories 1 or 2.

lincroft1710

I'm now wondering if OP is in Scotland where CT payments include water rates and sewerage payments