Council Tax

[Louby Lou]

I am not sure if this is the right place for this query- so apologies if it should be elsewhere.
My husband got his visa and is now in the UK. We are in the process of getting him established here and also thinking already about the ILR process. We live in Edinburgh and I have been in touch with the council about Council Tax 3 times so far! They are now saying that as I am the owner occupier I hold greater liability for the Council Tax and as such only my name can appear on the bill (if it was a joint tenancy this would not be the case).
This seems to then be preventing us from doing any of the other things like registering with GP, opening bank account etc. Does anyone have any suggestions, I don't want to have to send his passport away to apply for a Drivers licence yet as we may need it for job hunting etc.
My second question is about NI no. We completed paper application and sent it off but I ma seeing widely varying waiting times. Anyone have recent experience of paper application (ie not via interview)?
Thanks.

[zayed.husain]

i had the same issues with council previously and i understand what you mean when you say you want to get your partner established here in the uk. you should make it a point that your partner is registered with the electoral register and speak to the council again saying that your partner has got a job and from now on he will pay half the council tax bill. i am not sure about your other NI queries

[Casa]

Unless you husband is entitled to vote, you won't be able to add him to the electoral role.
If your Council is still resistant to adding his name, you have may other options for showing joint accounts, Utility bills, telephone, gym membership etc. You could put the TV licence in his name. Not everything has to be shown as joint.
He start work legally without an NI number by the way. Often the new employer is able to speed up the application/interview process. Have you tried calling your local Job Centre Plus centre?
If your GP's surgery refuse to register him without sight of a Council tax statement, contact your nearest NHS Trust for their assistance.

[Louby Lou]

Thanks Casa. It's like ever decreasing circles trying to get these things done. Will bash on.
L

[Casa]

I know the feeling. I've been there!