Council Tax Cost Cutting: reduce your band and grab any discounts Discussion Area

Former_MSE_Archna
Former_MSE_Archna Posts: 1,903
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This thread is here to discuss the content of the article on Council Tax Cashback: reduce your band and save £1000s.

However if you have already followed the system, please use report them in the Council tax rebanding successes discussion.

Note from Martin: Thank you to all the contributers to the initial thread, which provided the genisis for the article. Much appreciated.
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Comments

  • Oh well as I was last in with a comment on the thread - I'll start discussing on this one! I'm hoping I will get at least £600 back , not sure what the overpayments would have been over all the years, wonder whether they will break it down for me?
    An alternative savings account I suppose!
  • Maisie
    Maisie Posts: 1,343 Forumite
    Oh well as I was last in with a comment on the thread - I'll start discussing on this one! I'm hoping I will get at least £600 back , not sure what the overpayments would have been over all the years, wonder whether they will break it down for me?
    An alternative savings account I suppose!

    halloweenqueen. So pleased you will get a refund. Pass the word on to others to check council tax banding. voa.gov.uk.

    Many other MSE's are in line for refunds too.


    Happy to have helped.

    Maisie OP
  • Thanks maisie - I'm telling everyone I know to check theirs - will let you know how much i get back!
  • tiff
    tiff Posts: 6,608
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    Most people in our street are in the same band as us but there are quite a few in band D, best not to complain then lol
    “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” - Dave Ramsey
  • pigpen
    pigpen Posts: 40,917
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    How does the discount work if you are a carer?

    I am the registered carer for my son.. he receives DLA and I receive carers allowance. He is almost 11.

    I read you can claim a discount in some circumstances if you are a carer.. or is this only for those such as foster carers not carers of DLA recipients? It isn't very clear.

    I haven't heard anything about this before, not that that would surprise me.

    Can anyone shed any light?

    Thanks in advance!
    LB moment 10/06 Debt Free date 6/6/14
    Hope to be debt free until the day I die
    Mortgage-free Wannabee (05/08/30)
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  • Hi pigpen - I'm assuming that your son lives with you? I believe in order to get the discount you must be providing care at a residence that is not your own, i.e. caring for an elderly parent at their home, and by doing so you possibily don't spend the majority of your time residing in your own house.

    Natasha :smiley:
  • pigpen
    pigpen Posts: 40,917
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    Thanks Natasha.. Yes he lives with me.. though sometimes (most of the time) I feel he lives in space!!

    Never mind.. I will find somewhere I can save some £££'s lol
    LB moment 10/06 Debt Free date 6/6/14
    Hope to be debt free until the day I die
    Mortgage-free Wannabee (05/08/30)
    6/6/14 £72,454.65 (5.65% int.)
    08/12/2023 £33602.00 (4.81% int.)
  • Paul_Varjak
    Paul_Varjak Posts: 4,627
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    Around 880,000 householders can get a one-off rebate of up to £100 on their Council tax if they have Cavity Wall Insulation installed (depending on where they live):

    http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2006/060313a.htm

    The cavity wall insulation is installed by British Gas at a reduced price of £175, so the net cost is as little as £75 - which could be recovered in less one year - with the energy saved.

    However, many people on low incomes would do better getting the cavity wall insulation installed for free via ther many schemes available. Contact your local Council and electricity/gas company(s) for more info.

    British Gas will even install cavity wall insulation for free if you are on a 'qualifying benefit' - even if you are not one of their customers! But I am not sure if you would qualify for the Council Tax rebate as well.
  • MSE_Martin
    MSE_Martin Posts: 8,272
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    thanks paul - i'll take a look and add to the article if appropriate
    Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert.
    Please note, answers don't constitute financial advice, it is based on generalised journalistic research. Always ensure any decision is made with regards to your own individual circumstance.
    Don't miss out on urgent MoneySaving, get my weekly e-mail at www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips.
    Debt-Free Wannabee Official Nerd Club: (Honorary) Members number 000
  • CIS
    CIS Posts: 12,260
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    There are three different cases that cover carers

    Exemptions
    If you leave your property to provide care at another property, you can apply for exemption on your own property

    Disabled Band Relief
    If your property has doors etc adapted for wheelchair use, has a room set aside specifically for the disabled persons use or you have an extra bathroom/kitchen for their use, then you may get Disabled Band Relief

    Carers Disregard
    A peron can be disregraded if they are caring for a person in the carers own home, the person cared for is not a spouse (or if under 18, the disabled person is not the carers child) and the person is in receipt of DLA/AA (high care), CAA. The care must also be for 35+ hrs per week.
    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.
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