So now I've a relative who has a problem with his claim for council tax beneft. Young man of 22. Always had a job but now claiming for first time. Situation. Joint tenancy with his good friend. Friend is a full time student so he is exempt from paying council tax. My relative does receive council tax benefit but there is a short fall of about £15 a month. He questioned the shortfall. The council are saying that my relative is liable for the WHOLE of the council tax bill because his friend is exempt. This can't be right surely as they've an equal legal liability though the joint tenancy. While my relative is unemployed this is not a huge problem as such. The problem is that as things stand, when my relative gets a job he will be faced with paying the whole council tax bill because his friend is exempt. I think this is crackers. What do you think?

dwp.gov.uk/docs/a8-2501.pdf Page 125 Shockingly it appears there is NO set time limit for a claimant being notified of a new decision. type www dot, in front of the dwp. can't post the link directly coz under 20 posts

Regarding HB claim ongoing with no problems for 4 years. Noticed 3 weeks ago that I'd been paid 14% less money into bank account. Knew I'd been reviewed so phoned up the completely useless call centre. Rent officer's decision but can't tell me any more. Have to write in. So on that basis I've already appealed in writing. 3 weeks later, they've still not had the decency to send me a Benefits Decision Notice concerning the Rent Officer's decision. I believe I've a legal right to this notice? Can anyone point me towards the correct legislation so I can quote this when I send my next letter by registered post. Phoned up during week and they deny they've received my appeals letter. So of course we're not far off the one month deadline for appeals. My suspicion is that the council are so desperate to save money, they're deliberately delaying, or not sending out Benefit Decision Notices. in the hope that people don't bother to appeal, miss the deadline or give up. The call centre is the best part of useless. There is NO accountability from anyone. It's a totally faceless organisation, where NO one accepts responsibility, No one ever calls you back, despite asking for a personal call from an internal manager. The standard reply is " we can send an e.mail " So in summary. 1. Can anyone provide details of the legislation which states a claimant is entitled to a Benefit Decision Notice. 2. Any ideas on how I can make the benefits department accountable for the poor service? Thank you