Council Tax on 2nd Property…Separation?

[Anon3837]

Hi all,

I’d really appreciate some advice from anyone who’s been through something similar.

My husband and I are currently separated (not divorced), and he’s considering renting a small one-bed flat nearby while I stay in our family home with our child. We’re both still on the mortgage, but he’d be living separately and updating his electoral registration.

I’m wondering how this affects council tax:

• Would I become solely liable for council tax at the family home?
• Could I claim the single person discount, even though we’re still married?
• Would he be liable for council tax at the rented flat — and could he also claim the single person discount?
• Are there any risks of one of us being charged the second home premium?

I’m currently not working, so I’m also curious about council tax reduction options.

We’re trying to do everything properly and fairly, but the council tax rules around separation and dual residency are a bit confusing. Any insights or experiences would be really helpful before we contact the council directly.

Thanks so much in advance x

Yes you could both claim single person discount at your own individual properties if you’re living separately, even if still married. You’d be responsible for your own council tax. With me and my husband we had to prove driving license and bills etc were for the property we were living in. We haven’t separated and they never asked us whether we were. There’s no rule that says you need to be separated.