Money Moral Dilemma: Should I give my old neighbour some money for the council tax refund he got us?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My former neighbour had always rented out his property. He put it up for sale, was left paying council tax on it for the first time and was adamant it was in the wrong band, so he submitted a big report and the band was reduced - for him, me and some other houses. We all got an £8,000 refund and £45 a month reduction, but the neighbour who appealed gained nothing as his property sold soon after. One of my neighbours gave him £200 as a thank you, but the others didn't give anything. Should I give him something?

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Mark_d

I doubt your former neighbour expects anything.  If I knew of someone who did something to benefit me by £8000, I'd be very appreciative and I'd want to show that appreciation.  Rather than paying him some cash, I would buy him a bottle of champagne.

400ixl

How well do you still know this ex-neighbour? Do you still have contact?

If you don't have anything really to do with them then no, just let the relationship go. If you do then maybe look at something you can do together that you will fund as a thank you. Maybe a meal out or similar.

bevs316

The people who paid council tax at his property (tenants) will get their share of the refund.  It didn't cost him anything other than a few minutes online to make the application. He runs the property as a business and the lower tax band would have been a selling point. You all had refunds. Everyone has won so no obligation to '"reward" him unless you want to. You obviously don't as you're asking and  that's fine. Enjoy your windfall.

2702

You do not have to but it is nice to be nice.He did do some work and you have benefited so a small thank you would be good.

IvonH

You don't owe your neighbour anything.  The real question is whether you will feel good not making a gesture.  The money you got was an unexpected windfall and you are continuing to save every month for as long as you continue to live in this house.  And if you ever sell, you can advertise it at the lower council tax band - quite a few people look at that if there are several houses they might be interested in.  So, if you were to make a gesture, how many months would it take to get that money back through the cheaper council tax?  Not many, I bet. 
As I say, you don't owe him anything, but the fact you asked the question shows you feel a bit uneasy about not showing your gratitude.  I know I would.

Marcon

You don't need a straw poll of strangers to tell you what you think is the appropriate thing to do - so why not just do that?

Middle_Sister

He did it to try and benefit himself. I think they’d just be happy in the knowledge you were helped along the way. 

nellenoxin

I would want to show gratitude for the quite substantial amount of money that he saved me if I was in your circumstances . I am sure that he doesn't expect anything but it would be a nice thing to do in the circumstances 

Rd1994

I’d probably get him a very small
gift and thank you card like a bottle of wine or chocolates. But I’m sure he wouldn’t expect it and you definitely don’t need to it was his choice to do this. Also just saying thank you is enough  

Lizrobson

I would definitely give him a gift. He spent time and energy doing the work for you all  to get a refund...he deserves a thank you. What a sad world we live in when people have to ask if they should thank someone!