A WOKINGHAM pensioner initially charged council tax on his uninhabitable flood-damaged home is pleased that Wokingham Borough Council has reversed its decision.
Pensioner John Evans contacted Wokingham.Today, after reading a story we ran about Charvil resident Lorraine Watkins whose property was rendered uninhabitable after an electrical fault caused a devastating house fire.
Ms Watkins’ story mirrored that of John Evans.
Like Ms Watkins, Mr Evans found himself being charged 100% council tax for a single occupancy home he could not live in.
He said: “My house is totally uninhabitable, and I am living in temporary rented accommodation in Winnersh.
“I returned following a winter break at Christmas, to find my home seriously damaged by a burst water pipe in the attic.
“The flood resulted in the collapse of bedroom ceilings, and water damage to all the downstairs rooms.”
Mr Evans asked Wokingham Borough Council to pause his council tax payments while he was unable to live in the house.
The council refused, removed his 25% single occupancy discount, and charged him council tax at the maximum rate.
Mr Evans was not only angry about the decision, but that he was not informed of the rate change.
“I wasn’t told that they would increase the rate, I only found out when I looked at my bank statement.
“Because I pay by direct debit, the council took the amount without letting me know.
“I didn’t understand why, as a single occupancy resident, they would start charging me the full 100%, when I can’t live there,” he said.
“The whole experience has been very stressful, and has really taken its toll on me.”
However, following discussion with Mr Evans, the council has agreed to change its initial decision, which Mr Evans always maintained was wrong.
“I think they assume that an insurance company will pick up the bill, but they don’t,” he said.
“I suspect the policy is meant to target people with second homes, but I don’t have a second home.
“This is my only home, and I can’t live there.”
When Wokingham.Today asked Wokingham Borough Council for a response, a spokesperson said: “We charge full council tax on empty properties to encourage people to bring them back into use.
“This helps reduce the pressure on housing.
“We can’t comment on an individual case but people in exceptional circumstances can apply for council tax reduction if they have financial hardship due to unforeseen or exceptional circumstances.
“There are no pre-set criteria for this discount, each application will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.
“These policies are in line with our values because they protect those most in need and help maintain sound finances.
“We rely on council tax to fund the services people need because we get so little from the government, but, where somebody is in real hardship, we have the flexibility to help.”
At time of press, Mr Evans has had a positive meeting with the council, which has agreed to suspend his council tax pending a review by committee.
Wokingham Borough Council Tax policies can be found at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-tax
