NPPR Charge - Do I have to pay it

Hi everyone,

I have a question in relation to the NPPR charge I hope someone can help answer.

I bought a house many years ago from the council in joint names with an elderly relative who rented the house from council for about 40 years. I pay the mortgage but have never lived there. My relative still lives there.

When the NPPR charge was introduced I called my local council and asked did I have to pay this charge. As my elderly relative was on the mortgage I was told it wasnt necessary. Now I'm told otherwise by a friend in a similar situation.

Does anyone know the position on this? I fear if I'm incorrect I face a heavy penalty.