My Father is in sheltered accommodation and is being charged double for his council tax on the flat

JahWobbly

A year ago my father(83) was unable to climb the stairs to his flat, which he owned. We got him a flat in sheltered accommodation and put his flat up for sale which has negative equity, and has been on the market for a year ( a sale has just fallen through again 2 days ago). The council are now charging him double his CT and say it is central government that have set this and is out of their hands. He is on state pension and basically can't afford this. Is there anything that can be done to overturn this. Thanks in advance.

MayDogsandCoffee

Unfortunately not, this is all around the second home legislation that was brought in. While it targets those who have holiday homes the impact is felt by all.

Grumpy_chap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6656812/my-father-is-in-sheltered-accommodation-and-is-being-charged-double-for-his-council-tax-on-the-flat

The double CT is correct.

He may be able to appeal for leniency - perhaps involve a Councillor.

Why did the sale fall through? Is there any process to recover that back on track?

Keep_pedalling

This is a difficult situation, one possibility would be to rent it out, but that comes with its own issues.

Edit - Just noticed you said the flat is in negative equity, so what is the plan to pay off the mortgage?

IOWJJBTM2025

Not a good situation. Suggest you contact your local council and plead your case to to reduce. It may be rejected but worth a try.

JahWobbly

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81898668#Comment_81898668

The chain broke down

lincroft1710

If he only has a state pension, then how is he able to afford the mortgage? Not to mention the rent on the flat

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/second-homes-and-empty-properties

Largs

I know in Glasgow, once I showed my 2nd property was on the market, the council removed the premium. I would definately speak again with Council Tax.

lincroft1710

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81902933#Comment_81902933

The exemption from the premium only lasts for a year and OP's father's flat has been on the market for over a year