UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi

Anyone with experience of council tax liablity between tenancies, I know it must vary from one council to the next so specifically for Bristol council?

I thought Bristol council gave some leaway while the property was vacant between tenancies , and I didn't get a bill the last time my flat was empty for a short period .
But this time I have been billed .

Does anyone know if the Bristol council policy has changed recently ?

I will phone them shortly but it would be good to have some information first .

Thanks

Quote from: LRBristol on April 09, 2019, 07:11:19 PMI will phone them shortly but it would be good to have some information first .

On a national forum, don't you think that's a bit specialised? You're exactly correct in that different Councils have different policies and that those policies can change. You are doing the right thing by phoning them... why do you feel the need to be pre-armed? Just ask what the policy is? They'll tell you.

If you're [really] lucky they might say the policy has been that they charge like this for many years, and they'll try to claw back money from you from before too. 

Next best bet... their website.

Over 20 years ago,unfurnished properties in my area were not liable for tax when void,but my 3 studios failed that because the built-in fold-down beds were considered "portable furniture". I made a weak attempt to challenge,but trying to talk to them brought on migraine.There was also a one-month waiver period,long since dropped.I have just paid £125 for one months studio void,Warwick DC.I would agree,look at the website first,lest your call stirs one of the Jobsworths to charge retrospectively. 

Thanks Heavykarma for your response and the useful information.

I called them today and confirmed there is no waiver and I owe the money I also found out that although individual councils do set their own rules there are also rules imposed from central government - these rules changed in 2017 giving them less leeway.

So that is information that maybe useful for others - nationally ?  .

Thanks also  Hippograff -  the answer to your question is that I don't necessarily .
Your comments could be considered at least a little patronising but as your are doing the useful job of moderator we will let you off 

Regards
Paul

Quote from: LRBristol on April 10, 2019, 11:21:49 AMThanks also  Hippograff -  the answer to your question is that I don't necessarily .

That's OK, but it is specialised... there's over 300 Councils in England, including the Isles of Silly. My comment was intended to be patronising, you needed that. You got the same advice from 2 members, look at the website, but only recognise 1 as valuable...  ...and you didn't follow it anyway. 

So, to close this off - confirmed: Councils do set their own rules. I think there's an echo in... in here... in here...

Hippogriff  - helping Members help themselves for almost 3,000 posts!