Further provision for initial claims

4.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), where—

(a) a person is liable for council tax from the relevant date; and

(b) a claim for council tax benefit in respect of that tax is received by the designated office of the appropriate authority either—

(i) not more than 56 days after the relevant date, or

(ii) where the claimant does not receive his first council tax demand notice stating the payment he is required to make until after the relevant date, not more than 56 days from the date he receives that notice;

• the claim for council tax benefit shall be treated as having been made on the relevant date.

(2) Where the claimant does not receive his first council tax demand notice until after the relevant date but the delay in the issue of the notice is due to his own act or omission, paragraph (1)(b)(ii) shall not apply in his case.