Have You Received Your Council Tax Bill
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I got mine yesterday and it's gone up by £15 which is including 25% single occupancy discount. I am not complaining about it being only 25% even though there are 7 people next door!
However, I scanned the enclosed sheet and was shocked to find that from 1st April foster carers will receive 100% discount. Already they are exempt from income tax.
I have a close relative who gets £450 per week per child. She always has one child but often 2 or even 3 so do the maths. I can't help feeling a little resentful that as a pensioner, still working 6 days a week for a three figure monthly salary, my taxes and council taxes are supplementing this. No wonder councils can't pay for crucial services.
NB The example of £450 is the higher rate but most would get £350 per child and I don't know many who have just one child, usually 2 or 3 siblings.
No offence intended to foster carers but many others could do with a little help.
Not yet but I , expect it to rise by 4.99% , the maximum allowed by law without a local referendum . Obviously this will not cover the council's budget as inflation and wages are far greater than 4.99% . So they will need to dip into their reserves (those councils that have reserves ?) or/and further cut services .
Golfforall I hope I have done my sums right because 5% of the £93 paid last year should be £4.65 but it has increased by £15. So, no matter how much I respect the job foster carers do it does seem a little unfair that I now pay £108 while those who earn probably twice as much pay nothing.
Lynibis Received mine today . Has gone up from £130 to £136 per month (including single occupancy discount ) . About as expected (5% ) . I should double check yours as it would appear to be around 15% - without any other factors ? it is clearly wrong .
Golfforall so sorry, I did make a mistake, I had been paying £103 last year, now £108 so it is about 5%.
I wouldn't be resentful of anyone who is willing to foster a child. You could always foster a child yourself for free council tax. Yes lots of other people could do with help at the moment I agree, but don't knock those willing to take on foster children. I personally wouldn't be able take on such a huge commitment.
Lynibis have you checked what you might be entitled to yourself. Possibly Pension credits.
" I can't help feeling a little resentful that as a pensioner, still working 6 days a week for a three figure monthly salary, my taxes and council taxes are supplementing this."
ILOVEFANTA as you know I work with foster children and as I said in my topic I mean no offence to foster carers. Many on my runs have become friends and I agree they do a sterling job. But when 2 or 3 children can earn you between £3k and £4.5k per month tax free it doesn't seem necessary to give extra benefits.
Most children are at school/nursery by day and in bed all night so it is no different to being a stay at home mum and many have partners who also work.
When people are struggling to pay their way on far less, even when working, it just sometimes feels as if those who don't need it get more perks.
I also don't believe that anyone earning a good wage of say £60k or pensioners on that sort of money should get the winter heating allowance, child benefit, bus passes etc.
There must be a fairer way of distributing tax payers money than giving it to those who often earn far more.
PS I am not entitled to anything in the way of benefits but I pay tax and my council tax is now £108 per month even with discount on a modest home in what some may say is a rough area. I appreciate that I am better off than many though.
Pjran this is what I thought but I really hate that I appear to criticise fc.
As I said, I personally know many and they all have a good standard of living. Many have multiple cars, have built extensions, go on long haul hols etc. Those with partners who also work so very well off. The transport we provide is also free though some counties don't provide transport.
I truly admire the work they do but don't understand why an already well paid job needs all the extra perks that the lesser paid pay taxes toward.
We haven't got ours yet but the system is a joke, we already pay £170 a month for a 2-bed flat, and our neighbours who are in a 3-bed house pay the same.
Midnightflower that's awful, have you checked what band you are in? Shouldn't be the same. I am band C.
Lynibis were band B. Do you think it could be wrong? I'm not very good on this sort of stuff.
Midnightflower without knowing where you live (and please don't say) I can't tell as all areas are different, I am not sure myself about banding or whether A is highest or lowest. If highest then B is high too. Is your flat in a block or divided house because maybe B is the original building or something. I really think it's worth checking. Maybe Google how to find out my house band, you could do your neighbours too I expect, that would give you some idea.
Lynibis Thank you for your advice. I will look into it and see what I can find out.
As a guide : -
Band A Small cottage / 1 bed flat
Band B 2 Bed Terrace / Flat
Band C 3 Bed Semi / Flat
Band D 3 /4 Bed Detached
Band E 4 Bed Detached
Just a rough guide , more modern dwellings (built since 1990s ) tend to be a band higher than older properties . For instance my 3 bed semi built 1960 is band C , my mate's 3 bed semi built 2012 is Band D , just round the corner with a much smaller garden .
Obviously varies by council as does what you pay in Council Tax.
I can’t reminder my password to log in on line to get it so will be a complete surprise next bill day!
Yes I got mine in yesterday it has gone up £21 extra a month its a disgrace they stopped bulk uplifts a few year ago now its £30 everytime you need one
Yes, £226 10 months out of 12. Fostering has always appealed to me, maybe something to think about when mine leave home.
Got mine finally today and yep gone up whilst the pot holes are still getting bigger
Mine has just arrived £1501 (2 bed flat) in a pretty grotty small town. Ex also go his £2645 (3 bed bungalow) in a very rural part of Northumberland! This might be useful for some www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction
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