Help with a valuation tribunal for council tax reduction

jaisouls

hello everyone

So, my council have sent me a reconsideration over my argument to them as they have suddenly reduced help with my council tax despite there being no income change in my household. No warning, a larger bill, just over doubled in fact. I do not agree with how they are now working this out. Basically they are using our max UC amount to work out a weekly income that pushes us into the income bracket of £175-250 a week. But the max UC amount isn’t what we get as we have carers allowance deducted. I’ve already asked on here as well as checked on entitledto government page and they both say as it’s taken £ for £ from UC you aren’t financially better off claiming carers allowance but my council are adamant we are and including it in income suddenly where as previous years they haven’t. Would seem they’ve found a loop hole and disabled people like me and no work taking place in our household due to it and my partners caring responsibilities means we are being targeted to pay more council tax!
I am on LCWRA, also receive pip , partner claims carers allowance and we get the standard couple, child, carer element and housing on UC.

Anyway, I didn’t actually realise them sending me an email on how they’ve worked it out meant I’ve exhausted anymore avenues with them so I’ve been told the only next step is a tribunal- I have to fill in a form from valuation tribunal and it can take upto 9 months for a outcome. I didn’t realise this means a hearing etc which I may have to go to and members of the public will be present. Is this true? It sounds daunting. Also is it free or if I’m found to not win the case do I pay ?
It sounds terrifying on the other hand I know they are wrong. If anyone knows how this all works and could tell me I’d be very grateful I’ve tried to get into my local CAB but they are full to the brim. I honestly don’t think I have the health or strength to do anything like this!! And don’t see why I should have to to be honest :(

xx thank you xx

poppy123456

It’s a benefits Tribunal so no, members of the public will not be there. It’s not a court and you won’t be on trial. You do not have to pay anything.

Unfortunately, as I advised on your other thread all LAs have their own rules so I won’t be able to advise.

jaisouls

thank you Poppy

X

poppy123456

Have you tried using a benefits calculator? For this you would use your postcode and it will bring up your LA so would give some idea of your entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/

jaisouls

Hi Poppy

I have done numerous including my postcode and they all say I should be entitled to 75% council tax reduction as I have always done yet my council are adamant no suddenly because of extra income in the household coming in, that being carers allowance, which has been received in the household for 3/4 years and never affected entitlement before.