council tax exemption

I emailed the council because my Mum was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2015, got a garbled email back saying that it wouldn't make any difference to the council tax. I was told different by Carers UK in December 2016 contacted the council again and was sent a form. She is now exempt for Council Tax. I told them that I informed them in 2015 but they did nothing about that. I am now having to pay nearly double compared to before I informed them about Mum. The house is in joint name and I'm her sole carer. I get carers allowance and she gets the higher band Attendance Allowance. Would anyone now why the council tax has increased? The letters/bills they have sent me our very confusing it use to be in joint name, they are now sending separate letters/bills.

Comments

  • antrobus
    antrobus Posts: 17,386 Forumite
    Is there such a thing as council tax exemption for (I presume) the disabled?

    There is a Disabled Band Reduction Scheme
    https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-disabled-people

    And it looks like "People who are severely mentally impaired aren’t included when working out Council Tax", and so you might be entitled to a single person discount.
  • IAmWales
    IAmWales Posts: 2,024 Forumite
    If you can post a breakdown of their calculation that would be helpful.

    Do you have any other income except CA, do you have capital over £6,000?

    Did you ask for an exemption in 2015? You do need to apply, as they require medical evidence of the SMI.
  • CIS
    CIS Posts: 12,260
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    edited 10 May 2017 at 2:25PM
    gezzelin wrote: »
    I emailed the council because my Mum was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2015, got a garbled email back saying that it wouldn't make any difference to the council tax. I was told different by Carers UK in December 2016 contacted the council again and was sent a form. She is now exempt for Council Tax. I told them that I informed them in 2015 but they did nothing about that. I am now having to pay nearly double compared to before I informed them about Mum. The house is in joint name and I'm her sole carer. I get carers allowance and she gets the higher band Attendance Allowance. Would anyone now why the council tax has increased? The letters/bills they have sent me our very confusing it use to be in joint name, they are now sending separate letters/bills.

    If they've suddenly changed then it means one of two things - they've altered the accounts due to information provided or it's due to an change in policy etc at the council (right time of year for it). Only the council can say but I'd imagine that it's down to an adjustment that has been made due to information they've just actioned.

    Anything to do with Council Tax should be just in your name if she's disregarded as severely mentally impaired as she cannot be held jointly liable if you're a joint owner and also resident in the property. If you're not the joint owner then it alters the overall situation somewhat,
    The house is in joint name and I'm her sole carer. I get carers allowance and she gets the higher band Attendance Allowance.
    Who is living in the property with here ? Just you ?

    Assuming two occupiers:

    You refer to an exemption - there would be no exemption (even if she met the council tax definition of severely mentally impaired), the best that could happen is that she is 'disregarded' i.e not taken in to account when the charge is calculated.

    With two people living in the house - if one is 'disregarded' then a 25% reduction applies, if both are 'disregarded' then a 50% discount would apply. No exemption would be applicable

    Craig
    I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.
  • gezzelin
    gezzelin Posts: 13 Forumite
    Mum is disregarded, on the bill it says I'm receiving the 25% reduction, but for some reason the monthly payment has increased by roughly £40, my Mum has also received a bill saying that she is in credit by £148, should the council refund that because nothing has gone back into the bank account.
  • CIS
    CIS Posts: 12,260
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    edited 12 May 2017 at 3:56PM
    gezzelin wrote: »
    Mum is disregarded, on the bill it says I'm receiving the 25% reduction, but for some reason the monthly payment has increased by roughly £40, my Mum has also received a bill saying that she is in credit by £148, should the council refund that because nothing has gone back into the bank account.

    Any credit must be for an earlier period - it seems they've been making some adjustments. Only the council can tell you exactly what has happened and arrange any refund.

    Craig.
    I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.
  • POPPYOSCAR
    POPPYOSCAR Posts: 14,897
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    gezzelin wrote: »
    Mum is disregarded, on the bill it says I'm receiving the 25% reduction, but for some reason the monthly payment has increased by roughly £40, my Mum has also received a bill saying that she is in credit by £148, should the council refund that because nothing has gone back into the bank account.

    With our council if your account is in credit you have to apply for it to be refunded.

    They have no trouble taking it but giving back seems to be a problem!!
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