Council Tax Single Person Discount – Proof My Son Was Living Elsewhere

AleLeo75

Hi all,

I’ve received a letter from the Council about my Council Tax. They had removed my single person discount because my son moved back in with me, and now they’re also asking for repayment for last year’s discount. I’ve explained that he wasn’t living with me the whole year, and they’re now asking for:

• His name and date of birth

• The date he moved out

• The date he moved back in

For context:
My son finished university in June 2024. After that, he went to live with his mum for several months. He only came back to live with me early this year (2025). At the time, he was unemployed and only started a temporary job in mid-May 2025.

I want to be honest and provide the dates, but I’m unsure what kind of proof I need to show that he was living with his mum. Has anyone dealt with something similar? Would they accept a letter from his mum, or do I need something more official like bills or a tenancy agreement?

Also, do they have the right to remove the discount retroactively, even if he wasn’t living with me for part of that time?

Any advice would be really appreciated!

Thanks

bazdvd

did you tell them when he moved in earlier in the year or keep quiet?

AleLeo75

To be honest, I didn't, but not because I wanted to keep it quiet, I just didn't think about it.

gwynlas

I would just give them the dates of his residence at the addresses he stayed at.

There would not be any proof available as such unless he frequently changed residence on electoral list updated his driving licence or whatever.

He could have legitimately stayed with you as guest whilst exploring the idea of working in the area before deciding to make this arrangement permanent