Dr Alan Hemsley, whose father died in a house fire in Ross-on-Wye last year, is furious that despite his mother being unable to live in her house while it is being rebuilt, Herefordshire Council is still demanding payment of council tax for the property.

Retired university lecturer, Derek Hemsley died on October 23rd, 2018 during a fire which started in an electric reclining chair, which Mr Hemsley had been close to when the fumes from the fire overcame him.

His wife managed to escape the blaze and found safety at the nearby Prince of Wales Pub.

Dr Hemsley told the Ross Gazette: “My 85-year-old mother has since been rehoused in Ross by the insurance company as the house is not fit for her to live in. She has regular carers at this rented property and is considered to be exempt from council tax on this property due to her dementia.”

Her son feels it is very unfair that she is still being charged council tax on her burnt out house on Archenfield Road. He says it is uninhabitable and is likely to remain so for some time, although builders have started work on it.

He said he has dealt with staff at Herefordshire Council who are sympathetic but said that the house is considered to be habitable as it is not structurally damaged and therefore she is still liable for council tax.

He feels this is very wrong, he told the Gazette it is not a question of being able to afford it, rather that it is the principle.