Council Tax Reduction

OverlyAnxious

Hi all,

There is a (very slim!) chance that I may have found a suitable property to move to. It is a bit larger than I really need, but has the fundamental elements that I need in a property now.

It is 3 tax bands higher than my current property. I'm just wondering if the council could refuse CTR based on property size at all?

I don't mind paying the extra if they continue to pay the same amount of CTR as on my current property. The concern is that they'll refuse to pay any CTR at all if the property is larger than I really need.

(I know CTR is local area dependent but I've had trouble trying to get accurate info from them before, so would rather just read other peoples experiences on here!)

Also just want to confirm there's no bedroom or rent amount limit on private renting for the Housing Element of UC? As far as I understand, they'll continue to pay the one-bed LHA rate without any deductions even if I move to a two-bed property? (Again, I'm happy to pay the excess, as long as they'll keep paying the current LHA rate).

Thanks

poppy123456

Entitlement to CTR is based on your financial circumstances and not on the size of the property you live in. It is extremely unlikely that you would be refused CTR based purely on the size.

I know you’ve been looking for a very long time to move so I really do hope that you are able to do this! I really do wish you all the best!! Good luck!

OverlyAnxious

Thank you, Poppy. 🙂

poppy123456

You're welcome. 😊

poppy123456

@Biblioklept thank you and apologies for incorrect information given. This must be anther of those rules where it doesn't apply nationally and depends on LA. Mine doesn't have the same rules as yours.

Would a council tax band reduction help here?

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/925603#Comment_925603

Thanks @Biblioklept

Very useful info. This property is in Band D, so I should just get in underneath that particular rule if it's the same here. 🙂

It is ground floor with a garden and level access shower. And also close enough for me to physically get to from my current property. And I have enough income excess to cover the extra rent and council tax. However…it all comes down to whether the landlord will accept a tenant in my situation or not, and presumably whether they get any more desirable tenants applying.