Second home Council tax premium (Wales)

nickghoward

I had to buy a house in West Wales 3 years ago because I work here full time, in this time my second home council tax premium has risen from plus 50% to 200% for 2024-25. For my band C house, this means the council tax payment of approx £1600 plus a further £3200 per year. My wife can`t move here full time because of her work, plus she has an elderly mother, so she lives in our first home in Gloucester, she has some flex in her work so can move between the two houses. So yes we have two homes, but my residence in West Wales is not a holiday home, it is a necessity for my work; for clarity, I have to attend a place of work, I cannot work from home. I vote here, my Drs is a local practice, my passport and driving licence have my Welsh address on but the council wont budge. I have unsuccessfully appealed to the valuations tribunal. 

I imagine cases like mine are quite rare but it does seem unfair that I have to pay additional council tax because of my work and family situation, which is unavoidable. I would still be liable for the same council tax premium (200%) if I was in rented accomodation.

I feel like I have exausted most avenues but wonder if there is anyway I could claim back the premium as a legitimate work expense?

lincroft1710

I doubt HMRC would agree that the CT premium would be a legitimate work expense but you could always ask them. 

njkmr

You could do an Angela Rayner.
You live in Wales so you are the sole person there and pay for Council tax, probably with single person discount.
Your wife lives in Gloucester and pays single person Council tax in that property.
You would probably have to remove each other's names from owning each other's house and therefore you both own one house each. 
It's probably more accurate than what she has done?
It seems you do live independent lives in different areas so worth checking out.
Others may disagree.?

k12479

nickghoward said:

I had to buy a house in West Wales...

Had to or chose to? Many people work away from home. Renting a room full time or Monday-Friday or staying in B&Bs are also options people utilise. Or they decide the situation isn't worthwhile and work closer to home.