Council Tax Liability

Hello

I have been here before but have l forgotten! Back then it was to do with Council tax being paid inside the rent, so this is slightly different anyway.

Client lives with landlord and recieves housing benefit for the self contained room he rents. he is over 35 years of age.

However the Local Authority say he is not liable for a 50% share of Council Tax and therefore cannot claim Council Tax benefit.

I appreciate that chain of liability makes landlord the liable person. Landlord doesnt recieve benefits. Landlord wants to charge client the 50% share of council tax.

Can client get Council Tax Benefit? If so how

Any help gratefully recieved

thanks

The LA is correct - CTB cannot be paid if there is no liabillity.

Any additional amount charged by the LL would effectively amount to additional “rent” for HB purposes.  Subject to any LHA restrictions and rent increase limitations, the additional amount may well be eligible for HB.