Apparently since April 2013 the government gave the councils the discretion to set their own % rate for the various discounts and exemptions.
Wirral in its infinite greed and inability to set budgets has used this to take away all the exemptions that we have on paper by, for example, where a 12 month 100% discount / exemption was formerly granted where a house was uninhabitable and undergoing extensive renovation work this is now PAYABLE IN FULL- ie not a single penny off!
They have used the new loop hole in the law to effectively SCRAP all and any any reductions.
Can anyone tell me if setting a 100% payable rate is actually legal within the law?
By the same logic, an empty property 100% exemption for 6 months was granted in February 2012, following a squatter being removed from a house. From April 2013 they are demanding the 100% be paid.
Surely if 6 months was granted during a period that 100% discount was the legally obliged duty, then the 6 month period must continue at the full reduction and not be changed at an arbitrary date when NEW rules allow them to charge?
Surely the charge can only apply to NEW claims made after the introduction of the new rules in April?
Other opinions especially from those with expertise gratefully appreciated, as this is a battle that has to be won, as they can't get blood out of a stone, and this particular council have refused to put a hold on court summonses until the owner is in a position to make any council tax payments.
Wirral in its infinite greed and inability to set budgets has used this to take away all the exemptions that we have on paper by, for example, where a 12 month 100% discount / exemption was formerly granted where a house was uninhabitable and undergoing extensive renovation work this is now PAYABLE IN FULL- ie not a single penny off!
They have used the new loop hole in the law to effectively SCRAP all and any any reductions.
Can anyone tell me if setting a 100% payable rate is actually legal within the law?
By the same logic, an empty property 100% exemption for 6 months was granted in February 2012, following a squatter being removed from a house. From April 2013 they are demanding the 100% be paid.
Surely if 6 months was granted during a period that 100% discount was the legally obliged duty, then the 6 month period must continue at the full reduction and not be changed at an arbitrary date when NEW rules allow them to charge?
Surely the charge can only apply to NEW claims made after the introduction of the new rules in April?
Other opinions especially from those with expertise gratefully appreciated, as this is a battle that has to be won, as they can't get blood out of a stone, and this particular council have refused to put a hold on court summonses until the owner is in a position to make any council tax payments.