This Blog page is for examples of good practice, statements by councils and other bodies which fairly and accurately represent the legal position of both council tax departments and council tax payers.
The CAB's guide is good, but not detailed enough to support people being caused distress by legally inaccurate advice from the council.
Brighton has good advice in one leaflet
• If your circumstances change and you are no longer entitled to the
discount or exemption, what should you do?
You must tell the council within 21 days of the change. If you do not, you could be
penalised. Contact Local Taxation Services, P O Box 2929, Priory House, Brighton
BN1 1PS or telephone (01273) 291291 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (01273) 291291 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
However Brighton spoils it all by putting an incorrect and threatening demand for information the taxpayer has no duty to supply on the application forms.
Preston
Preston
If, after disregarding a person, the number of adults resident is only one, a 25% discount is given. If all the residents are disregarded, a 50% discount is given. The types of people who are not counted are listed below.
So far, so good.
However Preston spoils it by listing what are in fact discount categories as different discounts.
It also includes false information in a 'fact sheet'.
If you receive a discount/exemption and your circumstances change you must tell
Preston City Council within 21 days.
Nonsense!
If anybody can find a council which does provide accurate information throughout its facts sheets and documents I should be very glad to hear of it.
