Bailiff for Council Tax - RESPONSIBILITY??

Melsypop

I have been visited by a bailiff regarding some old arrears owed for a council tax bill July 2019 - March 2020. It is for the house I’m still living in. 

When we moved into the property, I was still in a relationship with my ex partner. We had a joint tenancy and both named on the council tax bills. 

The relationship ended August 2020 and he moved out. His name is on the council tax bill in question AND he’s named on the bailiff’s letters and their records. 

Is he legally liable for half of this debt? If so, how do I go about making sure he is contacted for payment too? I don’t believe this debt is now solely my responsibility?
the reason this debt occurred is actually his fault. During the relationship he was very controlling and he controlled all of the money we had, took money from my bank account leaving me with nothing to use to pay bills etc. It was also a relationship full of domestic abuse and police involvement. 

Legally, is there anything I can do? I’ve messaged him and sent him photos of the letters from the bailiff. I don’t expect he will reply to me let alone agree to pay half himself. 

I explained all this to the bailiff who came to my house but he didn’t have an answer when I asked him if they can contact my ex for payment too. 

I was happy to provide his current address and phone number but the bailiff didn’t say much…or perhaps doesn’t know how it works when one ex tenant no longer lives at the address but surely must be liable???

[Deleted User]

There is no 'half' when it comes to council tax. You're both jointly and severally responsible for the full amount.

They may pursue your ex if he is an easier prospect, but I suspect they think their best hope lies with you.

Melsypop

Thanks for your reply. What do you mean by ‘easier prospect’?? If it’s to do with who is most likely to be able to pay it off more easily then to be honest it would be my ex because he works full time and his income is much higher than mine. 

HampshireH

Realistically they are going to be less inclined to chase an address provided by you if you were jointly liable and you still lives at the address 

In theory you are the easiest person to pursue as you remain at the address of which the arrears are owed (no running around for them)

Have you had the correspondance about it prior to bailiffs and ignored it or were you forwarding it to you ex?

PaulW922

Don’t let this drag on whatever you do, as council tax debts are not the same as things like credit cards. The bailiff will be acting under instructions from the Magistrates Court who issue the enforcement notice. It is not the same as a county court judgment. I would try to reach an agreement asap, but also take some expert advice from the CAB or similar regarding your partner given it is his name,et and not yours on the bill. 

kimwp

Melsypop said:

Thanks for your reply. What do you mean by ‘easier prospect’?? If it’s to do with who is most likely to be able to pay it off more easily then to be honest it would be my ex because he works full time and his income is much higher than mine. 

Easier because they already know where you live and already had a bailiff make contact with you. It's also easier to chase one person than two. 

You can try telling them that your ex has more money, but I can't imagine the system would stop contacting you in favour of pursuing your ex on your say-so. It may be worth asking to speak to someone about the financial abuse, maybe?