I did the online version; I can't remember what date I put on the form, to be honest.

I have a foster child with a disability ( autism), and at times, when he is heightened, the best way for him to regulate himself is to have some space and his electronic drum kit. Fortunately, we have a pretty big house and have converted the attic for this purpose. The LA have inspected today, and I don't foresee a problem with them granting me a lower council tax band. Assuming this happens, am I entitled to have this backdated from when he arrived - two years ago, or will I only be able to claim the discount from the time I applied? I hope this is clear. Thanks - Paul

That is encouraging. We have social workers, doctors, teachers, and consultants, including the DLA, who seem to agree on the diagnosis.

Many thanks , i will update you how I get on. All the best, Paul

I'm just getting things lined up; I've found the LA to be less than helpful when it's about funding. That's great. I will get on with it. Many thanks, Paul

Thank you for the prompt response. It's DLA, and he has been in receipt for about two years. I assume this can only be claimed from the date of the claim - not when DLA was awarded? Is it a % discount or a reduction in banding?

I have a dependent child who lives with us, who has ADHD and receives DLA for this. When he becomes heightened, we have a loft conversion that is his space where he can self-regulate and settle down somewhat. I have been advised the LA will potentially give us a discount on council tax, providing someone living in the house has a 'severe mental illness' - what does this mean, and how does the LA interpret this? Is it up to a non-medically trained person at the LA, or is ADHD considered by law to be a 'severe mental illness' . Given a consultant diagnoses it - they should know more than a LA admin person?

Thanks very much. At least I know about the road tax. I will ask the question of the LA.

I have just won my tribunal for PIP, going back to September 2022. It is my understanding because I have been awarded the enhanced rate, I could get a discount on my Council Tax and now do not have to pay road tax. Would these benefits/discounts be back-dated until September 2022, like my PIP payments? I don't see why not but....it's the LA Many thanks, Paul

That's great, take heed of your advice. Many thanks. Have a great weekend....

I am owed £10,000; it has been agreed the debt will be cleared by the end of January. I'm not too sure. What is the best process to get this money back? MoneyClaim or Small Claims court - they seem the same to me. I believe they will pay once they receive the demand via an official route, and they will not want a CCJ against them.

Thanks for that. I will hold off buying until the finance is cleared. If it's not, and the finance company repossessed the car, does the current seller lose out? and the first owner get away with it?

I assume the loan was to pay for the car. Just to clarify, the current owner bought it 14 months ago unaware it had finance on it. And the previous, owner has continued to pay each month. thanks Paul

I want to buy a car from a private seller; it's a special one. However, the current owner said he messed up by not doing an HPI check on it. Yep, it has outstanding finance . The 'old owner' has been paying the monthly payments for 14 months and said they would clear it by the end of the month. I am prepared to wait. However, what, if anything, can the current owner do to ensure he gets the finance settled, so I can buy the car? Is it a police matter? Should he go via the CCJ route now? I want to help for two reasons, I want the car and the current owner is foreign and needs help.

She won't budge until she gets the money, i.e. the £25k, he has had a letter from her solicitors saying to pay up by the end of May or we will force the sale even if it results in bankruptcy again. Common sense would think Barclays would see how ridiculous the situation is, but no. He would be paying less a month, due to the high rate he is stuck on ! he can raise the £25k (Via pension and pay a chunk of tax) Could the FOS help? It really is crazy