How far back can local authorities go to charge council tax?

[mikeyboy1962]

I have recently had a bill then a revised account for council tax going back to over 10 years ago . I made arrangements and have been paying a monthly sum for some time now.
They just seem to be making up the numbers as they go along,and after speaking to and e-mailing different staff they are all being quite evasive about it.
I have no problem paying my dues and always have, but I have concerns about the way this is being handled and I have complained directly to them. Can someone give me genuine advice please is there an ombudsman or body in Scotland I can approach re. this?
Thanks and regards.

[buildersmate]

I do not live in Scotland so do not track closely the difference in the rules between the two parts of the UK - I know a reasonable amount about England.
However this document may help you.
http://www.scottish.p...Finalconsultation.pdf
Written by John Wilson, MSP, it confirms that the statutory limit for clawing back council tax in Scotland is 20 years. Maybe John Wilson's office can help you since it seems to be a topic that he is keen on?
I suspect the issue is also going to depend on whether the arrears have build up because the local authority made a mistake in assessing annual figure - or whether you, perhaps inadvertently, give incorrect information or incomplete information that prevented the proper assessment from being done.
The answer to the second part of your question is that the SPSO is the ombudnsman for dispoutes with local authorities in Scotland - once you have exhausted the complants procedure locally with the council. See here: -
http://www.spso.org.uk/

[Kimthurston]

The Law in England states that people are "statute barred" from trying to reclaim money over a certain amount of years, i.e. about 7 I think, although Inland Revenue are exempt from this ruling! Good luck

[ummmm]

I don't that is true Kim. It only becomes barred if they haven't made contact regarding the debt in 6 (?) years.

[lcg]

no - not statute barred when it comes to the public purse. i investigated a housing benefit bill i was presented with after 6 years and still had to pay it. they were really vague, evasive and rude as well, but would have dragged me through the courts for it...and of course the time for appealing the decision is long gone! good luck x