Polltax

[sabara]

Hi all,
I used to live in a house about 6 years ago. At the time I was a student, so I had nothing to pay to the council. Then, I was notified that I had to leave the house as they were going to demolish the building for new construction. On the day of my move, I got a letter from the council saying I owed them arond 1000 pounds. Never got a letter before that date. And obviously, becoming homeless was my top priority problem to solve. So I left the letter in the house and left forever. Went to live with various friends. Now, I finally am settled. Moving into a house, with views to buy it. Questions? Do councils communicate with each other to collect debts? Would my debt still stand, even though that house is non-existant anymore? Why would I have to pay when I never got a bill to tell me so prior to sending me... I think It was a reminder, but I am not sure.
Thanks a lot

[Stinky]

Hi,

Yes councils do communicate with each other but as there are dozens and dozens of councils in England the council who sent you the bill will only speak to another council if they have reason to believe you've moved to their area.

The council will have a record of the debt even if the property no longer exists There is nothing in the law that says a council tax debt disappears with the property, so the council can and will still pursue you for payment if they manage to locate you.

Obviously I wouldn't know the council's reason for stopping your student exemption, but they will have sent a bill prior to any reminder notice as it's illegal for them not to. If you genuinely didn't receive a bill then there's not a lot you can do because the council will simply say as far as they're concerned it was sent on whatever date and they can't take your word that you didn't get it.

To be honest with you the council will probably have written the debt off by now if they've been unsuccessful in locating you, and they certainly won't still be actively searching for you after 6 years for a debt of a grand. Be wary though that if you ever move back to the same borough they may name match you on their records and ressurect the debt.