Double Council Tax!!

currantbun2

My partner and I (not married) own a tiny old cottage in Suffolk which we bought as a bolthole when we were living and working in London. The cottage is not suitable as a ‘family home’ and even for a single person it’s a bit too small for a permanent home - so we are not ‘depriving locals' of anything.

We spend about a quarter of our time there, taking part in community events and spend money in the local pubs and restaurant. I own no other property, the house in London is 100% my partner’s.

 The council has now doubled the council tax, as it’s considered a ‘second home’.

 We can't afford to pay double as we are too young (62) to get a pension and not working. To pay normal council tax the options are:

 1. Claim this is my ‘main home’  - I'm not working so not tied to London

 2.  Put it on sale and hope it will sell within the 12 month time period they allow - selling will be tricky as it was only ever suitable as a bolthole. The plan was anyway to sell up everything and buy a place nearby together, so it would just mean sooner rather than later. Might scrape a tiny profit who knows.

 3. Let it out as a long term rental. - might be possible but a bit of a hassle as don't fancy being a 'landlady'

 My question is, if I claim the cottage is now my ‘main home’ and my partner’s main home stays as London will the council accept this? What proof would they require? 

Would they want to see that I’m registered with a doctor’s surgery? What else might they want? I’m happy to go on the electoral register there. 

Are they going to root through my bins? Spy on me?  And what is the definition of ‘main home?’ are they going to ask me how many days in the month I’m there?

I'm well aware that 'second home owners' are considered evil and this is how the authorities can get away with this. But I couldn't afford anything in London even when I was working there. I'm upset as I own no other property and I'm hammered from every direction for having a 'second home'. If my partner decided to kick me out of the London house he could. 

Is option 1 realistic? 

Neil49

As a starter you would have to be on the electoral register and also have your driving licence and car insurance registered at that address. This of course assumes that your car is typically parked at the cottage and your driving of it is also generally from that locality. The location of your doctor is up to you but hopefully you wouldn't need to see them at all.

If there is just the two of you (one per property) you would be eligible for the single persons council tax allowance on both properties 

theartfullodger

Pay the amount.  The law is the law. (Been in a related position myself).

Best wishes to all 

currantbun2

But two single people are allowed a home each.

p00hsticks

currantbun2 said:

But two single people are allowed a home each.

Yes, but they have to each be actually living individually in those homes as their main residences... 
The OP consistently talks about claiming it is their own home, not actually making it their own home - there's a difference (at least in council tax legislation eyes) 

Grumpy_chap

currantbun2 said:

 3. Let it out as a long term rental. - might be possible but a bit of a hassle as don't fancy being a 'landlady'

Don't do this unless you are sure you want the responsibilities and obligations of a LL.

Neil49

Grumpy_chap said:

currantbun2 said:

 3. Let it out as a long term rental. - might be possible but a bit of a hassle as don't fancy being a 'landlady'

Don't do this unless you are sure you want the responsibilities and obligations of a LL.

Too damn right. Avoid that option at all costs. 

Tabieth

You own a second home. Pay the council tax you owe. 

currantbun2

Just to be clear I don't own a second home. I own half of a cottage. That is all.

Tabieth

currantbun2 said:

Just to be clear I don't own a second home. I own half of a cottage. That is all.

Your partner owns a second home. You own a home that you don’t live in. You could pretend it’s your main residence but it isn’t and that could be considered fraud. It’s really not worth the risk. 

currantbun2

I could easily make it my main residence. There is nothing to stop me moving there on a permanent basis.
It would be much cheaper. There is no risk. What is the risk if I am living there?

Or how about, I can't afford the double council tax so I have to sell up. Then I declare myself homeless and the council have to house me!  That could work.