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Council Tax with multiple owners

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  • Council Tax with multiple owners

    Hello,
    Following our fathers death our family has ended up owning a property amongst the 5 of us. So far 4 are paying their share of the council tax without issue, however one owner has stopped paying, and is now refusing to pay.
    There does not appear to be any logical justification for this, and she remains an owner, however the council is now threatening action such as forcing the payment of the whole year, and adding fees to the bill.
    I understand the rules pertaining to joint and several liability, but I'm unclear to our options as the paying owners.
    Do the council have to make a reasonable attempt at getting the delinquent owner to pay before they can come after us all?
    Would it be normal for the council to issue proceedings to everybody simultaneously?
    Would the council simply work down the list of owners until somebody pays up?
    Would any action like this reflect on the mailing address for the council tax bill. (I currently get the bills and forward to all owners by email)
    Any advice on if we have any legal options to force the delinquent owner to actually pay her share?
    Many thanks for any support.
    D.
    Tags: None

  • #2
    Hello, Any ideas?

    Comment


    • #3
      Do the council have to make a reasonable attempt at getting the delinquent owner to pay before they can come after us all?
      No. They can pursue any of the liable parties at their discretion.

      Would it be normal for the council to issue proceedings to everybody simultaneously?
      Each liable party is jointly responsible and all liable parties would usually be issued with a summons at the same.

      Would the council simply work down the list of owners until somebody pays up?
      Would any action like this reflect on the mailing address for the council tax bill. (I currently get the bills and forward to all owners by email)
      It's up to the council in which order they try and chase the monies. It should be noted that options, for example, such as enforcement agents or charging orders can only be used against one debtor at a time so they could start with one party, not collect the money, and then move on to try and enforce against the next.


      Any advice on if we have any legal options to force the delinquent owner to actually pay her share?
      Not without a court order. Problem being that where there are multiple liable parties you are all legally responsible for 100% so each party has that responsibility anyway.

      Comment

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