Catch 22: bank and council want the impossible

[iwishiwasalittlebitfitter]

Hello
I am 8 months pregnant and I live with my bf since 2009, in the house he owns. He has applied for a mortgage break whilst I am on maternity leave. His salary covers the mortgage but not much more and I am only getting 6 weeks mat leave from work and after that it is statutory maternity leave for me, and no doubt a big struggle.
The bank wants a letter from the council with me on it but the council won't do it as I do not own the house nor am I liable for the council tax. They wrote a letter confirming I have lived here since 2009 but that I cannot appear on the council tax.

The bank does not think the letter from the council is enough. I called the council, they said they can't do anymore.
We are trying to be pro active in case we have trouble paying the mortgage and we are faced with a ridiculous 'computer says no' attitude!
Erk!! What a ridiculous situation.... has anyone got any idea what we can do?

Many thanks

Why does it have to be from the council?
What about the electoral register - you will have had the renewal thing through recently? Or utilities bill, car registration etc.

They did not go for the electoral register with both our names. We will try the electricity bill next (I only asked them to put me on the account). I am on no other utility bills. I will send them the DVLA with my name, that's a good idea!
Thanks

Is there a reason you are not planning to get married?

Sorry - I know marriage isn't a popular option any more, but if you are planning to stay together, it would make everything much easier.

Disclaimer:

It is my 28th wedding anniversary tomorrow, so I realise I am old and completely out of touch.

getting married.... I would have to be asked first! We kinda talk about it sometimes, I am not fussed, although I can see the advantages when you have a family... we can't really afford it, although I know it is no excuse.

Can you clarify? Why if it's his mortgage on a house he owns do they need anything with your name?

Agree with frogs getting married would protect you - at present you have no claim on his house should something happen to him or should you separate. Why would you have to be asked? We aren't in the dark ages - tell him you want to get married!

I think once the baby is born & he is shown on the birth certificate as the father that will probably suffice as a reason for him needing a mortgage break surely?

The mortgage company wants to make sure he is not asking for a mortgage break when he is not actually having a baby I suppose. We will shower them with letter with my name at that address from the bank, dvla, electricity etc. I hope they will see sense! Yes, birth certificate should also help.
We have got a life insurance now, should anything happen, but I think everything will go to the (unborn) child. We thought about doing a will.. a bit less romantic than a wedding.
I am not fussed about getting married, but if I did, I think I would like to be asked.
Happy anniversary frog

Thank you.

I have had breakfast in bed and a lovely card.

We have been together 32 years.

"we can't really afford it, although I know it is no excuse."
You know you can get married for about £100?
www.fool.co.uk/Your-Money/guides/Wedding-Costs-Part-I.aspx
Even a church wedding doing the legal minimum to get married (i.e. no music etc) is only a few hundred pounds.
www.yourchurchwedding.org/your-wedding/the-cost-of-church-weddings.aspx

www.yourchurchwedding.org/your-wedding/church-wedding-fees-in-2013/14.aspx

I used to work in Council Tax and although it has been 8 years the law hasn't changed so I just need to understand something.

I assume that before you moved in in 2009 your Dp was claiming single person/occupancy discount which is why the Council can confirm you moved in in 2009. What puzzles me is why your name wasn't added to the Council Tax at that stage.

Unless you are registered somewhere else, you should be on the Council Tax. The usual reason for only one name on the bill is from Community Charge days (probably before your time ) also known as Poll Tax or even Rates (before Community Charge) where everything was in the man's name as "head of the household". Part of my job was when people moved was to add the wife/partner's name.

Unless you are the lodger then you should be on the bill. I would ask for a written explanation from the Council as to why you aren't considered to be jointly responsible. Even if you were a student or exempt for some reason the bill would still bare your name but show an exemption for your part. I am confused.

Thanks diddy... I am still not sure it is for me, just at this moment.... Another thing.... I have photo phobia.... but let's not digress....

Fizzy thanks for that. The council said that in their letter:

" This is to confirm that you are registered as living at the above address since 2009. However, your name does not appear on the CT bill with [boyfriend name], as you are not a joint owner of the property."

Maybe they consider I am the lodger? Do I need to prove we are an item (without getting married).

I am confused too.

Huh? By that logic my landlord should be paying our council tax! Surely single occupancy is for when just one person lives in a property?

I know... it is a weird one. I spoke to the council and they were adamant. Not sure what my options are....

I think your council are in the wrong. When I bought my first flat my bf (now dh) moved in with me. EVERYTHING was in my name. About the only proof of address he did have was being on the council tax bill.

Talk to someone else at your council. Council tax legislation does state that as the partner of the owner and living in the property with him then you should be jointly and severally liable. If they won't change it ask for what reason.