Council tx premium on second homes

ParsnipsMulch

I wonder whether anyone can offer advice or has a similar experience? I have had a second home in North Wales for many years - I was brought up there and visit as often as I can. Throughout that time, each year I received my council tax bill itemised in monthly instalments which I paid in full. Just recently I received a bill for council tax premiums going back several years - initially the premium was 1.5x the council tax, then 2x and next year it will be 3x, in all amounting to several thousand pounds. There was no explanatory letter or any attempt to explain why these all came at once. Had these premiums been present in my tax bill each year I would have been able to take appropriate action from the start - sell, appeal, pay up etc. however I now have no recourse but to sell. I cannot think of a similar circumstance where anyone receiving an additional bill for services received years later would be obliged to pay. I have always paid the full council tax and always completed the electoral register honestly so there has been no attempt to conceal my circumstances. I have never received any communication from the local authority concerning premiums, even from the statutory consultation time so I have always though there must be a discretionary element to it. Any advice or outcome from similar experience gratefully received

lincroft1710

Contact the local authority and ask them. It appears they may have neglected to charge you the second home premium for previous years.

ParsnipsMulch

Thanks - I'll do that. I think you are right, but neglecting to charge or inform me I am eligible leaves me in a difficult position if I have to pay all at once