Council Tax

[Giddygran]

Hi I need a bit of advice on Council Tax. If a husband and wife split up owing Council Tax who is responsible for the debt. Both names are on the Council Tax Demand. I would have thought it reasonable that the debt be split 50:50 but hey-ho the law is never that straightforward.

I am asking because my friend is being hounded for the WHOLE bill while her ex-husband is getting off Scot-free.

Any advice.

Giddy

[MrShed]

They will be jointly and severally liable. Which means that any ONE party can be pursued for the entire debt. However, your friend would then be perfectly within her rights to sue her ex hubbie for half.

[Giddygran]

Thanks Mr Shed

It does seem a bit unfair when she has three children to support and is now facing possible imprisonment. Anyway, I am speaking to the Council on her behalf tomorrow and just wanted to get the responsibility bit clear.

[Bollotom]

Additionally, as a now single occupant she should be able to get a 25% discount .

[blazing-badger]

She would be jointly and severally liable for the debt until the date at which he moved out and solely responsible for the Council Tax (at the reduced rate) thereafter. If he has buggered off leaving her with the debt it could be taken into account when considering a divorce settlement. In the meantime, has she made an application for Council Tax Benefit?

You can only be imprisoned for non-payment of Council Tax on the grounds of culpable neglect or wilful refusal to pay, not just for inability to pay.

[MrShed]

Guys this thread is 3 months old...

[demon_x_slash]

It's what I like to refer to as a:

Zombie Thread