My partner and I both own our own properties. I currently live alone and receive a single person discount on council tax. My partner is planning to move in with me and I intend to update my council tax accordingly. However, my partner wants to continue paying council tax on her property as her daughter wants to continue living there. Is this permissible? I know there may be issues about the primary residence and we may need to pay for further advice in that respect. 

Arthur Weller replies:  

If her daughter is classed as a 'resident', i.e., someone over 18 who lives in the property as their only or main home, then her daughter will be liable to pay the council tax. In your scenario, a resident with no legal interest in the property, such as someone who has permission to stay, has the first responsibility for council tax. If the dwelling has no residents, then the owner has the responsibility to pay the council tax.