England charges a council tax - how much would a 3 bed rented terrace house cost in council tax?

Question

We want to move to England from Austria or go back to Canada with our 3 children. We're getting mixed reviews on England's education, health system, social problems, etc. We want to move our kids to an English speaking country, so it's either back to Canada or England. Our son has Tourettes Syndrome and one daughter has a memory disability, so I'm concerned that the British schools might be too tough for them. I'm also concerned about the cost of living ... rent, utilities, gas, food, etc. I'm guessing that both places may be relative, but with the recent gas and food hikes in England, it's anyone's guess. Any advice on which place might be a better solution?

Answer 1

As far as the council tax bands are related, the previous answer had a very good link in it. The 'Do it online' section can help you find the exact band of the house, if you have one in mind.

It all depends on where you want to move as well. Generally, the further south you go, the more expensive it is.

As a foreigner in England however, let me suggest that you don't come, unless you have a good job promised, ideally for both yourself and your partner. If you are concerned about the wellbeing of your children, don't impose this country on them.

Canada is a far better place and from what I've heard, Scandinavic countries speak English as a second language so you might want to think about that as an alternative.

Having said that, Canada won't be much cheaper (I'm guessing) but the quality of life is much better, I have this confirmed on good authority. You probably know that yourself already. So, If you have any ties left with Canada whatsoever, go back. England is a miserable, lonely, cruel place.

Answer 2

council tax goes on bands ... look at

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommu...

as you'll see, it's not the size of the property that's important it's the value ... so a 3 bed terrace house in Chelsea in London is going to be in the highest band, but the same size house in, say, Middlesborough, would be in one of the lower bands

as to which country, I know nothing about Canada ... I do have a fair amount of experience around children with additional needs (that's the latest term they're using here in the UK) ... wherever you go and whatever you do, you must expect up to a year to get all the things in place that you currently have, such as education, health etc etc ... there is a system in place in the UK for state education ... if you want to understand how it works go to

http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/advice/booklets...

then click on the downloadable booklets ... I would recommend you read Getting Extra Help, Asking for a Statutory Assessment and Getting the Statement Right ... if you can get the children in the right schools with the right help, it need not be any more tough for them than anywhere else in the world

another good website for special education is

http://www.ipsea.org.uk/

if you want an English-speaking country, there are many more than just England or Canada ... there's the other countries in the British Isles (Scottish education is usually highly rated), USA, Australia, New Zealand, and many more