Council Tax allowance used previously before purchase?

Council Tax allowance used previously before purchase?

9:49 AM, 29th February 2016, About 8 years ago 14

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Recently I just received a council tax bill for £407, addressed to me with a secondary address reference to a recent buy to let, at first I assumed they had sent it me and was the tenant’s bill. Illogical

The dates on bill related to the purchase date and tenant start over a 4 month period. I rang them to query as the house was unoccupied, unfurnished and under full renovation so had no facilities and not fit for occupancy.

I argued the case, but she was adamant that I get 100% relief for first month and 50% for the following months and from April just 100% the first month then no further allowance.

I still wasn’t happy asking why am I paying it, she said the allowance must have already been used on the property before purchase, I said that’s not even fair or logical, so I am challenging the bill and sent pictures of works etc to them for evaluation.

Can anyone shed some light in this as never had a bill off any of previous properties. The property was empty and bought at auction.

Martin


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Comments

Alison King

20:15 PM, 2nd March 2016, About 8 years ago

I had a similar problem. The house was uninhabitable during renovation. It didn't even have a proper water supply. The council wouldn't budge so I wrote to the local MP. Then the council had a change of heart.
I think it's incredible that councils discourage property improvement in this way. The whole thing is completely wrong headed.

Troydave

20:19 PM, 2nd March 2016, About 8 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Martin Gardner" at "02/03/2016 - 14:39":

You are very lucky Martin.
Here in Telford, Shropshire we have not a single days exemption.

Chris Byways

20:43 PM, 2nd March 2016, About 8 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "David Lovegrove" at "02/03/2016 - 20:19":

They don't know how lucky they are, David.

I have been billed for just 9 days CT between tenants, AND renovation work, incl new kitchen, was being done. That was Herefordshire Council. No allowance at all!

Troydave

21:10 PM, 2nd March 2016, About 8 years ago

Chris,
I understand Telford and Hereford are the only authorities amongst around 50 councils in the Midlands area with no exemption at all.
There is a multi storey block of around 50 flats around the corner from me that has been empty for several years.
This was bought by a developer from the local housing trust and is boarded up .
No council tax is being charged though it is rumoured that the developer makes several thousand pounds worth of profit for income received for aerials on the roof of the block.
If I leave a property empty for a few weeks I not only get a council tax bill but a letter asking if i can do something about it !

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