Refused council tax single person discount because of a closed Universal Credit claim

Mister_Amara · 4 December 2021 at 8:25PM

I was made redundant in early 2021 and have claimed universal credit for most of the year. I recently moved to Edinburgh for a new job though, and began renting a flat. However when I registered to pay council tax and requested a single person discount, I was refused the discount for some reason (full email text below). Can anyone suggest why, or if this is just an error as I suspect?

Couple of relevant details: I began work on the 20th of September, my last UC payment was on the 25th of October, and my claim was closed on the 25th of November. I moved into the flat on the 16th of November, and filled in the council tax stuff on the council website soon after. I'm renting a one bed flat via an agent, it's my main/only home, and I live fully alone and am the only bill payer.

My best guess is that either the council believe I'm still a UC claimant and for some reason that disqualifies me for the discount, or the UC people incorrectly informed them that the new property is not my main residence, because they think I'm still in my last residence (I stayed with a friend rent-free for a few months in England and was registered for UC there, though I did inform them through the correct channels when I moved and when I began work).

Email from Edinburgh council:

"I am writing to you with regards to your Council Tax account and Council Tax Reduction claim.

We have been notified by the Department for Work and Pensions that you have claimed Universal Credit. I am able to use this notification to assess your entitlement to Council Tax Reduction without the need for a separate application.

However, I must advise you that based on the earnings given on your Universal Credit award for 17/10/2021 to 16/11/2021 you do not qualify for any Council Tax Reduction at this time"

No further info is given, other than to tell me how to appeal, which of course I will do.

theoretica · 4 December 2021 at 8:42PM

That reads to me as though they were assessing you for a low income reduction not the single person discount.

Torry_Quine · 4 December 2021 at 9:25PM

I too think it's talking about a reduction in income. Entitlement to single person discount has nothing to do with income

CKhalvashi · 4 December 2021 at 9:28PM

As above, the single person discount is not to do with income.

It may be worth contacting the council again referencing this as something appears to have been lost in translation.

tacpot12 · 4 December 2021 at 11:01PM

Coiuncil Tax Reduction is a benefit that you can only claim if you are on a very low income. The council can see that you earned more than you are allowed to earn to qualify for the benefit so they have turned you do. The Single Person Discount is not a benefit, it is a discount. Call the council and tell them you want to apply for the Single Person Discount. Don't mention a reduction on your council tax as you will start going around in circles with them.