“All this reinforces the conclusion (which is one that we would have reached without reference to the dictionary) that in section 6(5) of the Act “sole or main residence” refers to premises in which the taxpayer actually resides. The qualification “sole or main” addresses the fact that a person may reside in more than one place. We think that it is probably impossible to produce a definition of “main residence” that will provide the appropriate test in all circumstances. Usually, however, a person’s main residence will be the dwelling that a reasonable onlooker, with knowledge of the material facts, would regard as that person’s home at the material time. That test may not always be an easy one to apply, but we have no doubt as to the conclusion to which it leads in the present case.”
“51. Case management decisions are discretionary decisions. They often involve an attempt to find the least worst solution where parties have diametrically opposed interests. The discretion involved is entrusted to the first instance judge. An appellate court does not exercise the discretion for itself. It can interfere with the exercise of the discretion by a first instance judge where he has misdirected himself in law, has failed to take relevant factors into account, has taken into account irrelevant factors or has come to a decision that is plainly wrong in the sense of being outside the generous ambit where reasonable decision makers may disagree. So the question is not whether we would have made the same decisions as the judge. The question is whether the judge’s decision was wrong in the sense that I have explained.”
“Firstly, the Appellant compares the disapplication of the standard directions with a court disapplying the Civil Procedure Rules (the “CPR”). This is plainly wrong. The Tribunal Procedure Regulations are the equivalent of the CPR in this Tribunal. The standard directions set out in PS11 of the Tribunal’s Consolidated Practice Statement (the “CPS”), as it stood in 2022 (it has since been updated and no longer applies to appeals of this type), simply provided the framework for the parties to disclose their respective evidence and submissions. It is not a straitjacket to bind the Tribunal. If the Tribunal is satisfied that the parties have had an opportunity to disclose their respective cases, as I was in my appeal management decision of3 February 2025 , then there is no reason why the Tribunal cannot adopt a different procedure in any case. Secondly, the Appellant contends that he has been unable to disclose any witness testimony or evidence since12 May 2022 . That is entirely correct. However, there has been no application to extend the scope of these appeals to include a period after June 2022 (as was requested by the Appellant in his written submissions of12 May 2022 ). Given the delays to date, I believe that the interests of justice require the substantive dispute for the period currently before the Tribunal is be given prompt judicial consideration, and a final determination issued (if possible). A decision on the earlier periods may inform the parties positions in respect of any later periods that may fall to be disputed. But additionally, it cannot be the case that the period is repeatedly extended ad infinitum every time there is a delay (and thus a party requests a further opportunity for disclosure in respect of that extended period). It is better in my view to draw the line in the sand now and determine the substantive issue, at least for the period currently before the Tribunal. Thirdly, the Appellant has not applied to the Tribunal for permission to introduce further material. Considering the procedural backdrop, he appears misguided that PS11 of the CPS (again as it stood in 2022) would apply to every re-listing of the appeal. That has never been the case. The President’s Practice Notice regarding Postponements and Adjournments (VTE/PN/2017-1) makes that abundantly clear... Whilst I accept a significant period has, regrettably, elapsed since the parties last filed their submissions and evidence, I am wholly unconvinced that allowing further disclosure would assist the Tribunal with its task of determining whether the Appellant is resident at, and thus liable to pay council tax in respect of, the subject dwelling from15 June 2016 . There are already several bundles from both parties before the Tribunal, with a significant amount of duplicated material. Adding further opportunity for disclosure by the parties would undoubtedly, in my view, result in additional satellite litigation (whether in this Tribunal or in the High Court). These appeals require a final determination, not additional satellite litigation which will only serve to further delay the dispensation of justice. Fourthly, it is clear to me that the Appellant has chosen not to attend the hearing. He has been given every opportunity to participate, but has instead, has chosen to deprive himself of the opportunity to address the Tribunal directly with any oral submissions, or answer any questions from the Tribunal or the Respondent Billing Authority’s representative. I appreciate that he clearly believes the Tribunal is acting unlawfully by proceeding (hence his applications to the High Court), but for the reasons I set out at paragraph 20, above, I am not of the view that this should result in an adjournment: it is simply not proportionate. I am also conscious that I have comprehensive, and legally detailed, written submissions from the Appellant, setting out his arguments as to his grounds of appeal.”
“...the strongest evidence upon which the Appellant relies are the records of his entries and exits obtained from UK Border Force. The records are slightly incomplete as there are some departures from the United Kingdom without preceding arrivals. However, what is available shows that between31 March 2014 and16 October 2018 the Appellant had spent only 53 days in the United Kingdom, which equates to 3.2% of the time. This rises to 4% when restricted to the period after15 June 2016 . The evidence suggests a nomadic lifestyle, indeed there is evidence that he travelled often, visiting Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand.”
“Please find attached a copy of the evidence that will be presented to the panel at the hearing of this appeal on11th February 2025 .”