Council Tax - Single Persons Discount Review

Thurrafork

Hello folks

I have lived alone in a flat I own in the Epping Forest District Council area and been claiming my single persons discount for many years.
My girlfriend is Taiwanese and been over here studying for her PhD as a full time student.
She moved in with me in the autumn of 2020 but, as a full time student, would not change my single person discount status.
She finally finished her PhD back in May 2023 - so since then she has no longer been a student. Things were chaotic back then as the Home Office had made a series of huge errors with her Visa status and it looked like she might have to return to Taiwan - an issue ultimately resolved after contacting my local mp.
That issue was rather occupying our thoughts and so I completely forgot to notify the council that I no longer qualified for SPD.

Back in October/November I got a letter from the council saying that they were reviewing everyone's SPD status (apparently this was a nationwide review). I had to fill in a simple form and return it. The letter said that if I did not return the form a reminder would be sent out, and if there was still no response then SPD would be automatically withdrawn.
I filled in the form and returned it immediately.
But I have heard nothing.
I did not receive a reminder so they must have received my form, but nothing has changed. I received no amended council tax bill, no demand for the extra money I owed, no mention of a fine.

I obviously admit fault, and know I will have to pay back the money owed for the months she has been with me since graduating; I know there may be a fine, although obviously I am hoping not. But subsequent months have passed and the same, SPD reduced monthly amount has gone out (so my repayment debt is increasing).
At this point in the year I am wondering if they are just waiting until the new yearly council tax bill is sent out, and all the new calculations/amendments will be included in the new bill.... But it just seems weird that I have heard nothing.
They obviously received the form as no reminder was sent out, but what is happening?
A look at the Epping council website reveals this:
"EFDC have conducted a review of accounts in receipt of a discount on their Council Tax bill to ensure everyone is paying the correct amount. This has now concluded, if you did not responded to the letters sent to your address on 25/09/2023 and 09/10/2023 asking you to verify your sole occupancy. Your 25% discount has been withdrawn, as outlined in the letters sent to your address previously."

Apart from my original oversight months ago, I feel I have abided absolutely with their review process here, having followed their instructions to the letter... but do you think I should contact them?
I am a bit reluctant to as I know what councils can be like and sometimes honest attempts to clarify things can just complicate matters to the regret of all involved.
Any advice or suggestions here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

bluelad1927

Just contact them and get it resolved. To be fair you there is no point in saying they will complicate things when it could have been avoided in the first place

marcia_

 Agree just phone and explain or the debt will be getting higher if you wait for the council to act on it. 

lincroft1710

Just contact them and say you filled in the form stating that there were now 2 occupiers but have not as yet received an amended CT account.