How Do You Confirm If You Have Single Person Council Tax Discount?

debtslave2024

I probably do have the 25% discount, but if you have to actually apply for it, I would have made the application so long ago, I can no longer remember!

Can you confirm online, if it is being applied? I have the recent proposed council tax charges for myself lying in the house, but could not find any specific mention of the discount on it.

If, in the unlikely case I have been overcharged over the years, can I get a refund? Thanks.

fatbelly

Your annual bill should arrive any day and it will be on there.

You can ask for it to be applied retrospectively but you are unlikely to get it

You would then appeal the decision to the Valuation Tribunal, who may well rule in your favour

Each case is decided on its merits

https://appealsearch.valuationtribunal.gov.uk/Home/Download?ApAppealNumber=M025895556

debtslave2024

Ok, Fatbelly. I am out the house just now, but the bill is sitting in kitchen. From memory when I scanned over the document I saw no mention of the discount. Will check it out, when I get home.

Archerychick

If you have it, it will clearly be shown as a 25% discount on your bill. Or I’m sure you could call to confirm 

Bookworm105

is this a wind up?
it is clearly stated on every annual paper bill you receive through the post, or do you not even look at those before binning? All very well being green and online, but there are still times when looking after your paperwork is necessary.

You should also receive a letter from the council on a "regular" basis asking you to positively confirm that you remain the sole occupant.

molerat

Bookworm105 said:

is this a wind up?
it is clearly stated on every annual paper bill you receive through the post, or do you not even look at those before binning? All very well being green and online, but there are still times when looking after your paperwork is necessary.

You don't even need any paperwork.  The local council tax rates are not a secret, they are published on the council web site and figuring out the 25% discounted rate and comparing that to what is being paid needs no more than primary school maths sums.

sheramber

I get a letter before the start of each year to confirm I am still entitled to the discount. 

debtslave2024

I have checked the bill, and it is mentioned on the back of it. Our council however does not issue confirmation letters separately.

fatbelly

It should be on the front page

I have one with me now. It says


Total council tax 5.6% £3118.28
25% Single Person Discount    -£779.57

Amount you have to pay £2338.71

I'm still working at CA and with rises/bills like that I can see what's coming

debtslave2024

@fatbelly, looks like different councils do it different. For all it matters, mine was on back page. And yes with the rises in everything, whilst I am personally struggling to find new employment (current job coming to an end) - things are getting rather silly. Thanks for your input.

Grumpy_chap

debtslave2024 said:

whilst I am personally struggling to find new employment (current job coming to an end) 

It is worth checking whether you are entitled to any benefits.  Even if you do not qualify for means-tested benefits, you may have sufficient NI contributions record to be eligible for nJSA, which is not means-tested.