Can Edinburgh Council decline Second Adult Rebate?

[kosebamse]

Hi Folks,

 

I moved to Edinburgh whilst looking for work. I'm on IB-JSA and applied for Housing and Council Tax Benefit. I have been awarded both but not the Second Adult Rebate that I specifically applied for. I share the flat with another person who is in Full-Time edcuation and there is no-one else. As far as I'm concerned, to quote the Council's website:

 

"The highest amount is 100 per cent of the council tax due on the property. To qualify for this you must be a full-time student and the person who has to pay the council tax and all your second adults must be receiving ... Income-based Job Seekers Allowance."

 

Now, I have been awarded a Council Tax reduction, although it doesn't say on the document what is the percentage and why this much (and why Second Adult Rebated wasn't awarded). I have calculated that the reduction is circa 41%. Even though, first - according to what the Council writes itself, I can legally claim 100% reduction, second I simply can't afford to pay £200 in November, and then £205 in December, as they ask for. With the rent, gas/electricity, and (reduced) Council Tax), I'd literally have nothing left. In fact, I'll have to sell things to buy food!

 

Any suggestions how should I persue the Council to award me the Second Adult Rebate which I'm legally entitled to?

[id6052]

is the student: -

1. your partner?
   
2. a joint tenant?
   
3. your lodger?
   
4. something else? if so can you clarify?
   

[kosebamse]

Hey id,

 

is the student: -

 

your partner?

No.

 

a joint tenant?

Yes.

 

your lodger?

No.

[id6052]

students are disregarded for CT purposes

 

this means that the student is treated as not being there for liability, discount and second adult purposes

 

you are solely liable for the CT, you would be eligible for 25% discount as only adult, but not eligible for second adult rebate

 

so therefore your CT reduction will be based upon 75% of gross charge

 

under CTB, you would have been entitled to have full assistance as you receive JSA(ib)

 

however from April this year, each LA has introduced their own scheme, so will depend on the local scheme, but 41% seems very low

 

have you tried logging in online to check the calculation?

[id6052]

just looked on their website, which indicates that CTR will be calculated on same basis as CTB for current and next financial year

 

so don't understand where you are getting 41% from?

 

were you late making your claim for CTR?

[kosebamse]

Well, tried to log on to 'Benefits online' today but get this: 'The 'Surname or family name' and 'PIN Number' that you have entered do not match. Please amend your entry.' Before, until a few days ago, it worked fine.

 

I have applied for both Housing Benefit and Council Tax exemption (that is - Second Adult Rebate) at the same time, in the beginning of October, filled in and printed out the application form, took it the local office and got it stamped. Received my first cheque for October in November (still waiting for the one for November), on Saturday a letter about my Council Tax status arrived. No idea why 41%, possibly an error/mistake? I had it before, as well as other people whom I knew, that the letters contained misspelled surnames, wrong information from the council given when calling them, etc. - they are understuffed so I presume do things in a hurry and this would explain a mistake (if it is).

Edited November 10, 2013 by kosebamse

[id6052]

have you had your CTR letter explaining how your reduction has been calculated?

[id6052]

it is true that a lot of councils are understaffing due to their funding cuts from central government, which is crazy when the government are creating so much extra work through their "welfare reform programme" (or should I say pogrom)

[kosebamse]

The CTR letter stated only the original amounts for the band the CT was calculated and the reduced amount. No explanation why this particular amount was applied. Also, it was me and the other tenant on the letter whereas, If I'm not mistaken, I should be the only one addressed since the other tenant, being in full-time education, doesn't count, right?

[id6052]

that is correct

 

has the other person submitted their council tax exemption certificate to the council?

[kosebamse]

As far as I can tell, no. Should do so separately?

[abc123def]

I can confirm the council tax office need to see that exemption certiificate from the educational establishment before they take it into account