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jsmith1989 · Apr 21, 2010, 03:04 AM

Hi, I need advice quickly about how to proceed.

Basically, me and my boyfriend are going travelling at the beginning on July for a few months which means he is moving out of his house.

He has lived in the house for around one year now along with 3 other guys all the same age (21). Stupidly, they have managed to run up a huge Council Tax bill and have had Bailiff letters and all sorts for a while now.

Unfortunately, the Council Tax is registered in my boyfriends name. He needs to move out ASAP to my house so save money for our travels but can't because of the Tax. He has enough money to pay off a quarter - the equivalent of his part - but the other lad's don't.

He has tried going to the Citizen Advice Bureau twice, once it was too busy for him to be seen and the second time they where very very unhelpful (they basically said they don't know what to do).

Where can he go and what can he do to get this sorted out as quickly as possible? Can he get the Council Tax signed over to his over housemates and pay off his portion or is it pretty much stuck in his name until the whole debt is paid?

tickle · Apr 21, 2010, 03:16 AM

If the council tax is in his name, then he is responsible for the whole lot. Should have tried really hard to get it sorted out. However, you have reached an international site so you are not likely to get an answer as quick as you want unless we have a member living in the UK who pays council tax. We don't have this kind of tax in the north american continent, so its difficult to give you advice on it.

I can only suggest someone with patience call the council tax office and get it sorted out, but I don't see it being done if he owes all that money and his housemates can't come through with their own portions.

Tick

Curlyben · Apr 21, 2010, 03:24 AM

You mention bailiff letters, has this been to court for a liability order.
If so in whose name(s) is it ?

jsmith1989 · Apr 21, 2010, 03:31 AM

It's not been to court - yet! Yes I know, should really have sorted this out ages ago.

Thanks for your answers.

Curlyben · Apr 21, 2010, 03:34 AM

In that case any bailiff letters you are getting are unlawful.
You MUST talk this issue through DIRECTLY with the council.

Being open and honest with them will help a great deal.

jsmith1989 · Apr 21, 2010, 04:07 AM

OK thanks, I'll tell him to make an appointment ASAP.

ScottGem · Apr 21, 2010, 04:08 AM

If the tax bill is in his name, and his rooms refuse to pay their share, he will have to sue them for it.