Council tax issues

[jm1g]

I am posting on behalf of a freind who is an international student in manchester.


(all dates are date of issue)

On the 21st December 15, a council tax bill was recieved for 67.98. "Reason for council tax bill adjustment: change in circumstances which affects the empty property discount"

On the 20th january 16, final notice recieved

18th febuary, court summons. £149.98 total amount. court date 10th march 2016. council tax payable period 02/09/15 - 19/09/15

11th march, warning of enforcement action letter recieved. they are requesting a form be sent back or they will take him to court again, threatening £500-£1000 fine.

As fast as i know, these are all the letters that have been recieved, all have been ignored and he didnt turn up for court. As he is a full time international student, he should be council tax exempt right?
He is wanting me to draft a letter to the council to explain the circumstances. I have a feeling he will need to pay and they try and go down an appeals process. Any info appreciated.

[charitynjw]

Re: Council tax issues

Hi jm1g & welcome to LB

I must admit, I don't know too much about CT matters, but I think I 'know' someone who does!

@Crazy council

[Noah]

Re: Council tax issues

What he needs is a student status letter which universities are used to giving , some councils want a new one each year

I think the problem he will have is that the liability order has already been issued

I would give the council a call and explain the circumstances , make sure you note the name of the person you speak to and follow it up by letter

[jm1g]

Re: Council tax issues

This is correct as I myself have used the student council tax exemption certificate. In this case it seems as though the council have taken issue with the fact that my friend arrived in this country in early september, and the course started late september, so theyre trying to claim for that time. I dont know how this works because that isnt how it works for me, but im a UK citizen

[Snoopy1948]

Re: Council tax issues

I worked in council tax for 23 years but retired in 2014 so a bit out of the loop here!

It seems that the 'Student Certificate' has been accepted from the start of the course, in later September, so the 17 days prior seems to not be exempt and subject to payment. An empty property discount between lets is for a restricted period and if that expired prior to the tenancy take up on the 2nd September, then a council tax charge would have applied. What were the exact dates that this student spent in the property? Does he still remain there? Has he obtained and remitted the Student Certificate?

[Noah]

Re: Council tax issues

I suppose the question will be, is this the students 1st year