Council tax 10 - years arreas to be paid

[Brodo]

Recently, I've received 10 emails with relative unpaid council tax bills for the past 10 years - it was incredibly shocking and completely out of the blue but fortunately, the council agreed a manageable monthly payment agreement (at least that).
I've been living on a low income (part time) during all those years and paying a relatively low Council tax bill (with the benefit of Council Tax Support).
I did send a form (about 11 years ago) declaring I was about to receive an inheritance from abroad - no specific figures as I wasn't sure at that time but I did inform them...unfortunately, these inheritance is still unresolved and still waiting to hear from a final sentence from the judge. So, "my" capital from this inheritance is still undivided - I can't decide for example to sell some property or land without the consent from the other parts involved. In other words...I'm still leaving on a very low income.

I believe a series of errors have been made from both sides:
On my side, having sent that form many years ago and receiving no reply from the Council, I wrongly assumed I was entitled to Council Tax Support and thinking it was my income the deciding factor - I did search online at that time but the information was rather sketchy - being an inheritance from abroad probably added to the complexity. So, I wasn't well informed but I'm not an expert and I believe I did my bit (I did sent that form).
On their side - why didn't they bothered to ask me about this property just after receiving the form? Now, they deny they ever received any information from me about this inheritance - interestingly, they apparently delete all records after 10 years? I did mentioned about this inheritance recently (I've always been open about it) - this made all the difference now but someone in their office was already well aware and apologized over the phone.

I did sent a complaint asking for a drastic reduction of this past bills - they should at least share some responsibilities as I don't think I should be paying 10 years bills over a couple of years for their own inaction.
Apparently there are 2 stages of complaint...they replied to the first but received no reply after nor any advice of "your ongoing right of appeal" (as clearly stated in their first letter).

What's the best solution? - shall I force them to face the judge? I wasted a couple of days searching for that form (and Royal Mail receipt too) - without it I don't feel that confident and forcing a legal action would be a total waste of time.

Any genuine feedback appreciated.

[AGoodman]

This will be very fact specific (in particular whether you are actually considered to have received the inheritance or not) and I have no idea how the council tax appeals process works - particularly if you have already agreed to a payment regime. I'd suggest trying something like Citizens Advice Bureau, who will have the expertise.

[Brodo]

This will be very fact specific (in particular whether you are actually considered to have received the inheritance or not) and I have no idea how the council tax appeals process works - particularly if you have already agreed to a payment regime. I'd suggest trying something like Citizens Advice Bureau, who will have the expertise.

I've already contacted CAB and many other organizations - mostly didn't even bothered to reply - the fact I own the property probably is a factor. The CAB uses the same scare tactics used by the Council - "you can be jailed if you don't pay..." etc. and 've got the impression is these organizations aren't very independent and being sponsored by the government.

It seems unfair also discovering for example I could had claimed exeption for at least 4 years as there were some major renovation jobs including a suspended floor and no toilet - I wasn't aware at that time and proving it is rather difficult now.

It seems there is a way of avoiding a few years since the council can't use bailiffs for arreas more than 6 years but I need more confirmations about this.

[pawncob]

The limitation period for council tax is six years. It is set by regulation 34 Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992 (the regulations).

The regulations state that a local authority cannot apply for a liability order more than six years after the day the debt fell due.
from:https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/debt_advice/resources_for_debt_advisers/council_tax_debt_more_than_six_years_old