Council Tax Backdated

[Rachel65]

Hope someone can help me here, I use to live in a council house 12 years ago and was only for a very short time before going back to private renting again. I recently received a CT Bill for over £500 which was backdated for 12 years ago,

 

Now they are taking £8.50 per week from my benefits to cover the backdated costs, I asked at my local office and staff told me it’s for water and drainage? This sound right to you?

 

I always thought that when on benefits and living in a council house that you get everything paid for you?

[antone]

Can I ask - are you in Scotland?

[Rachel65]

Can I ask - are you in Scotland?

 

Yes.

[antone]

In Scotland, Council Tax Benefit does not cover that portion of your CT that relates to water and sewerage charges - you can see it as it's listed as a separate item on your annual bill. This is because of the difference between the way water charges are paid in Scotland and England/Wales.

 

So yes, even if you were on full CTB for the period concerned, you could still be liable for the water charge part of the bill. This applies whether you are in a council house or rent privately.