If you’re separated and living on your own you’ll eventually think it’s a good idea to contact the council and inform them so, in order to qualify for a single occupancy discount on your council tax. It makes sense doesn’t? It’ll save you a fair few quid each month.

However, if you’re living in the house on your own and it’s still jointly owned you should be aware that by telling the council that you’re now a sole occupant. you’re absolving your ex partner of any responsibility for council tax on that property. You won’t then be able to turn round and say well, it’s a jointly owned home so we should share the bills… even if you leave to live somewhere else while the house is sold.

You could in fact be living somewhere else AND paying council tax on another property, but as far as the council would be concerned you would still be responsible for the tax on your jointly owned property.

So before you contact them and claim single occupancy be sure that you’re not planning to move out soon and that you don’t mind your ex-partner being totally absolved from responsibility with regards to the council tax.

Clive Bellmore