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Council Tax
FAQs
Answers to Frequently Asked
Questions.
- If I have tenants, who is responsible
for paying the Council Tax?
- Normally the person living in the property will be responsible
for paying the council tax, but there are instances where the
landlord has to pay e.g. if the property is designated as a House
In Multiple Occupation (HMO). If the property was originally
constructed or subsequently adapted for occupation by multiple
households; or each person who lives in it occupies only part of
the building, share facilities and hold separate tenancy agreements
e.g. as in some bedsits. For further information regarding who is
liable for Council Tax view the 'Information for owners, managing
agents and Housing Associations' web page.
- If I'm receiving Income Support or Job
Seekers Allowance, do I still pay Council Tax?
- You would need to make a claim for Council Tax benefit, as it
will not be given automatically. In the meantime you need to pay as
billed to avoid recovery action.
- I have moved into the borough, what
should I do and how much will I pay?
- You will need to contact the Council Tax & Benefit Service
on 020 8430 2000 to advise us you have moved in, so we can register
you for Council Tax and tell you what you need to pay.
Alternatively, you can complete the on-line form 'Change of
Address'. To see how much you need to pay you will need to view the
band of the property you have moved into at the Valuation Office
Agency website www.VOA.gov.uk and then check how much Council Tax
is due for that band on the table found at Council Tax
2007-2008.
- Is there a discount if only one adult
lives in a property?
- If you are the sole occupant you are entitled to a 25 per cent
single person discount.
- I am over 60 years old, do I get a
discount from Council Tax?
- No, but if you are on a low income you may be entitled to
Council Tax Benefit.
- Do I get a discount if the only other
adult living at the property is a student?
- If the other adult is a full time student you can claim a 25
per cent student discount but you need to complete a student claim
form and return with a valid student certificate from the college
or university.
- I pay full Council Tax elsewhere and
this property is my second home, do I need to pay?
- Yes but you can claim a ten per cent discount. You would need
to prove that you are paying council tax elsewhere as your sole or
main residence. If you are occupying the property as a condition of
your employment you are entitled to claim a 50 per cent discount.
Your contract of employment should confirm this.
- I was told that students are exempt from
Council Tax, so why do I have to pay?
- Any person who is enrolled in a full-time course of education
at a prescribed educational establishment can make a claim. It is
not given automatically. The course must be one that requires you
to attend for periods of at least 24 weeks in each academic year or
in the case of educational establishments that do not have academic
years, for at least one calendar year. You would normally be
required to undertake periods of study or tuition to an average of
at least 21 hours per week.
- I used to share a property with two
other people. I've moved out but I've recently been summoned. Do I
have to pay?
- The council can demand payment from any one of the three people
up to the date when all three were jointly and severally liable.
Anyone aged over 18, who shares the same legal interest in a
property as another adult will be deemed to be joint and severally
liable. Please note: from 1 April 2004 students will no longer be
held jointly and severally liable with other people that have the
same level of interest in the property as them, unless they are all
students.
- Why would I receive a summons if I've
always paid my Council Tax?
- Have you paid late? Monthly instalments must be paid on or
before the due date. If you fail to pay by the due date, a reminder
notice will be issued giving 7 days to bring the instalments up to
date. If no payment is received a magistrates court summons for the
full amount due will be issued.
- I am going abroad for a few months, do
I get a reduction in how much I need to pay?
- No, the property will still be considered as your sole or main
residence and no further reduction will apply.
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