Council Tax Reduction

[Guest]

I may be telling you something you already know, but I have discovered that our council reduce our council tax banding by one letter if we meet any of the following criteria:
Anyone in the house uses a wheelchair
A room is needed specifically for someone with disability, including a bathroom or wetroom.

As we met on both counts I phoned up and a lady came out to do a check to confirm my claim.

This morning I got a revised bill which has dropped our payments by £50 a month, which takes into account the 6 months o&f this year we've already paid.

They even backdated it to the beginning of the financial year from when John first started using the chair.

Every little helps!

Wendy x

[Terry]

Thanks for bring that up again Wendy;

Yes I got a reduction two and a bit years ago and it was back dated about 6 months. Every bit of money helps.

Information on this and other financial matters are included in:-
Information sheet 22A - Benefits and entitlements.
It is well worth looking at.
Advice on the types of benefit and entitlement available, and whether you are likely to qualify, with guidance on how to apply.
On Mnda Web site

Cheers Terry

[rustygates]

Hi all,a lady came out to see me regarding dropping a band on the council tax and soon as she came through the door(i took a while to get to open the door with my rollator) anyway she agreed that it would be done and as you say every little helps as this disease is an expensive one!!

rustygates

[Chrissy]

I never knew this, too late for me now, I feel annoyed that information that could help sufferers and carers is not readily available, I had far too much on my plate to be researching councillors tax benefits so well done for pointing it out, May help others

Chrissy

[Terry]

Sorry Chrissy;

I have bought it up before once or twice and the information is printed and online in the advice sheets.
It's just there's so much stuff to get your head around without looking at every post and reading the small print. All that with accepting the diagnoses, planning for house, etc. alterations etc. is just too much.

It would be nice if we had AV's that knew all the stuff or someone to assist.

If you have any ideas on how it can be done better, perhaps a single sheet with a rough outline of what you might be able to claim.

It is hard to reach everyone and you do have to reach certain criteria.

Regards Terry

[john]

Hi Chrissie,

If you owed the council money they would not have written it off yet they would be chasing you so I do not see why the reverse should not apply. Ask for a refund for the period when you paid too much.
When Irene died in March we had already received a demand for the following years discounted council tax. After registering her death I received a demand not only for the following year but also for the 27 days of the previous year when the discount had ceased because of her death. If they can revise for me surely they should revise for you!

John

[Chrissy]

Thanks Terry and John, I might get in touch with them, I missed previous postings of this info. and it never entered my head that there might be concessions, the thing is caring on your own is totally time consuming but I have time now and think I've got my fight back.
I wish I had still been in Leeds to help Mum out with Dad's IS A, they told her it had to be put into another account because it became taxable after death (this I knew to be correct) then said that they would only make out a cheque to the funeral director and made her leave money in the account and even with the death certificate they could not put it in her name, surely as next of kin it should be hers and how can you leave money in a dead person's name?

Rant over xxx

Chrissy

[Terry]

I think that they are correct and that's the stupid law Chrissy;

She probable won't be able to do anything else till she gets probate, as this proves (in law) that she is the executor of the will, and provided she is the only beneficiary things should be sorted from there. Yes, the money is left in the deceased name and then you might need another account to put his estate money in until all the finances are sorted, tax paid and then the beneficiaries can have their cut.

Always best to have a joint bank accounts and house in joint names.

Chrissy, I didn't think you had paid council tax in Leeds , love Terry

[Chrissy]

Hi Terry

Yes it seems you are right, she cannot get his money without seeing a solicitor, we understand that now but it was unsettling for her as she had gone on her own , she really should ask one of my brothers for help but is very independent for an eighty year old.
It's over thirty years since I lived in Leeds, seem to remember it was just called rates then with water included, I pay my dues in Cornwall x

Love Chrissy

[Terry]

Hi Chrissy;

I was worried that the comment might upset up, but now I see you laughing all over your face. Good one.
I just hope she does not have to fill in all of the forms. Even for an estate of 150,000 it is fairly hard, if around 250,000 it is complicated. Tax return and probate forms.

Good Luck, love Terry

[Chrissy]

Hi Terry

Haha, no it's hard to upset Leeds lasses, we're strong in the arm and thick in the head, think that's how the saying goes.
I didn't have problems with probate fortunately, no estate to speak of just a house which is paid for and that was in both our names, any monies we had quickly got swallowed up, was even lucky in that the adaptations we were about to have were delayed because of needing help with finances, they phoned me in the last week of Bob's life to say they were ready to go but apparently I would have had to pay to have it all stripped away or live with a through floor lift in my bedroom..no thanks.

Take care x
Chrissy

[gerald]

Hi everyone, hope you are having a good evening. Reading this post for first time. Since Mrs b diagnosed we have gradually got things done 1st rollator-.2nd stair lift.3rd wet room do I understand correctly I could approach council for cut in tax. It would help us. PS motorised wheelchair being delivered next week.. Regards gerald

[Terry]

Hi Gerald;

Yes I got a reduction two years ago and it was back dated about 6 months. Every bit of money helps.
Information on this and other fin
ancial matters are included in:-
Information sheet 22A - Benefits and entitlements (280kb)
Advice on the types of benefit and entitlement available, and whether you are likely to qualify, with guidance on how to apply.
On Mnda Web site

You may be entitled to free prescriptions.

If you need help finding info sheets etc please ask.
Cheers Terry

[gerald]

Hi all. Picked up this thread some time ago on searching our local coucil web pages looked at the criteria needed in our area not looking to positive however put application in today as one of tbe listed issues is using wheelchair in doors and we are just waiting for the ramps to be fitted so fingers crossed let youknow outcome. Regards gerald

[gerald]

Hi all well followed through with application after reading this post and today had visit from a council employee appears she was more than happy that we meet the criteria she has gone back to do report so hopefull of a reduction very soon so thanks to forumites for keeping posting its amazing what you learn but the support is tremendous love to all of you gerald xxx