breach of data protection council tax

[stephen22]

hi all

I went to my gp today for a routine check. He told me that my regular GP had been sent a letter by the local authority council tax office.
Basically my regular gp filled out a form before xmas with my medical condition on it for council tax purposes, it confirmed my diagnosis and she signed and stamped it.
They are now asking the same gp to confirm my diagnosis after sending the form.
Am I right in thinking they can not do this without my authority under the data protection act. I am having trouble with my council tax. Basically my condition means I may be exempt, but they are saying not. I informed them of my condition in 2009 and they have not acted upon it, but are quick enough to send letters.
Thank you

[CleverClogs]

Re: breach of data protection council tax

What sort of condition (other than being the Queen, a monk or a nun) makes one exempt from Council Tax?

[Eloise01]

Re: breach of data protection council tax

It is not a breach of data protection to ask for information. It may be for the GP to give it out. However, how would the Council have obtained your GP's name and address unless you gave it to them in connection with your claim?

[enquirer]

Re: breach of data protection council tax

What sort of condition (other than being the Queen, a monk or a nun) makes one exempt from Council Tax?

https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-exemptions

[enquirer]

Re: breach of data protection council tax

It is not a breach of data protection to ask for information. It may be for the GP to give it out. However, how would the Council have obtained your GP's name and address unless you gave it to them in connection with your claim?

Furthermore, a close examination of the small print on the claim form may reveal that permission has in fact been given.

[stephen22]

Re: breach of data protection council tax

Scottie dog, the kind of condition that loses a career in the police service, the kind that you would not wish onto anyone.... Have a look at the exemptions.....
I suspect the lack of understanding may be why the local authority are taking so long to deal with it......

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: breach of data protection council tax

From what I can remember, if you apply for any kind of rebate for a medical reason, the form you originally fill in gives the reciever (in this case the council) the permission to ask for medical details from your doctor.

This must be signed by you, but if this is the case, which I am pretty sure the majority of forms have a medical disclaimer, then the Council are not breaching DPA by asking your doctor.

[wales01man]

Re: breach of data protection council tax

To make a claim for exemption on medical grounds would the council accept the claimants word ?
no so they ask their doctor to confirm the condition if any,to do this the council needs the doctors name the OP must have given this.If someone is to obtain exemption from payments or fees yhey must be able to prove their condition,if not we can all claim exemption????

[enaid]

Re: breach of data protection council tax

People with certain mental health issues and live alone are exempt from council tax.
The form can be down loaded or you can get it from your local council tax office and this has to be completed by your gp/specialist.