A griving son has revealed one of the hidden costs of losing a loved one, as Wiltshire Council orders him to pay over £1,400 for his late mum’s empty home.

When Robin Moody’s mum Muriel died in November 2019 she left him her home  in Devizes.

The property has been empty and unfurnished since then but Mr Moody, 57, who is in the process of selling the property, has been hit with a bill for £1,473 in council tax for January and February.

The house went on the market in January 2020 with the probate starting March 22, 2020, but because of the pandemic, there were no viewings over the lockdown period.

“They’ve given me basically two weeks notice to pay it,” he said.

“They sent me a letter on December 12 asking for an update and December 13 I sent them where we were up to and a copy of the probate.

“The next thing I know, this has come through. I called them and said ‘surely, there’s got to be some leeway with lockdown and the house hasn’t been sold, you should give 12 months grace’.”

However, Mr Moody was told the council’s policy was to give people six months council tax exemption after probate.

Mr Moody argued that because of the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic more leeway should be given and said the attitude of who he spoke to was shocking.

“It’s probably not just me in this situation and maybe people should know about it,” Mr Moody said.

“We’d been completely open and honest with the council thinking they’d be understanding.

“I just think it’s shocking for the council to be so belligerent and to show a lack of compassion.

“Especially with Covid, I’m sure other people are in a similar situation.

“I think there are other people possibly in a similar situation that are suffering in silence and I don’t think it’s right.”

The council said that while it cannot talk about individual cases, the stance in England is to allow six months from the start of probate to “dispose of the property” before council tax charges fall.

Cabinet member for finance, Pauline Church said: “There are no new discounts or exemptions available related to this type of situation as a result of Covid-19 restrictions and council tax must be paid on empty homes once a statutory discount or exemption expires.”

Since calling the council has apologised to Mr Moody for the service he received and has deferred the payments until March.

Additionally, his account has been placed on hold to protect against the threat of legal action for non-payment.

Mr Moody is in the process of appealing the council tax order.

Cllr Church added: " If anyone is really struggling to meet the bill on an empty property, we are willing to consider suspending payment until the property is sold or disposed of, but would need to receive written undertaking on this, preferably from a solicitor. If anyone wants more information they are welcome to call the Council Tax Service on 0300 456 0109 or email counciltax@wiltshire.gov.uk."