Council Tax scenarios - questions

NewTime

Hello all.

I currently receive Universal Credit at a decent rate (over £1k/month) after migrating from JSA and also receive PIP. I have found myself technically homeless, but being put up by distant family, but they want me to move too too and I get that.

I have been given the knock back by letting agents and landlords and find myself in a desperate situation if this continues. However, i have started using SpareRoom and potentially there are rooms, but I do not know how I am affected by Council Tax or how the other person maybe is.

Scenario A -I move in a property with a full working Individual and remain on UC for the time being.

Scenario B - I move in a property with a student who also is exempt from Council Tax and I am on UC.

Would I get a deduction or would it be a full deduction for the household etc?

Also, anyone any ideas to how to find a property if the above doesn't happen? As I could do with finding somewhere this month.

Thanks

poppy123456

As a lodger you will not be responsible for the council tax. In this case it's the person you'll be lodging with that is responsible. They will charge you rent which will include bills, including council tax.

It's not easy to find a landlord that will accept someone claiming benefits. If you are lucky enough to find one then they may also ask for a guarantor.

You could also put your name down on the social/council housing list by filling out a form. In most areas you must have lived In that area for at least 3 years or have a local connection to that area, with family living there. (friends do not count)

For lodging it maybe an idea to have a look on spareroom.

Please also note that because your UC includes Transitional Protection, (TP) when you do eventually claim for help with any rent that TP will erode so you may not be any better off but it will depend on how much TP you receive and what your housing element entitlement is. TP will erode by the same amount as your housing element.

NewTime

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/979474#Comment_979474

Hi thanks for replying.

When I am applying for homes and visiting spare rooms from a landlord or someone already renting, they just saw it is £x on rent and then the council tax on top, how do I go about getting an exemption? Because I believe it goes on the property itself and therefore it doesn't matter if one is potentially exempt when one is working?

In terms of TP, what happens in a situation, in like the rent of a room is £500, and I get TP, does it even itself out?

Thanks

Kimmy87

Yes, as previously advised the TP will reduce by the amount you are awarded in Housing Element for your rent.

poppy123456

In your case the only exemption I can think of would be Severe mental Impairment but it will depend on how many adults are living in the property. A reduction for a carer wouldn't apply in this case and neither would the disabled band reduction. If you're a full time student there's a 25% reduction.

https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-disabled-people

The question about TP has already been answered.

NewTime

I could be potentially be moving in with a student, so I don't know how it'll affect mine?

NewTime

SO, basically I would be staying with someone who is a student, of who gets the CT discount.

I receive UC (wit TP) and PIP (enhanced care, low mobility).

It speaks of applicable amount and I can't grasp what it means, but I assume I would get a significant discount, of potentially the highest (85%?)

https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500181/council_tax_support/5953/what_is_council_tax_support