Council tax

Other

Hi I purchased a studio flat last June in Scarborough which was empty and unfurnished when I purchased it . I did some renovation and finally let it in March 2013. . The council have now issued me a £750 council tax final reminder .
1. I have never received a bill so do not know what exactly this amount relates to and speaking with the council official yesterday she says that she can not reissue a copy of the bill as it has got to final reminder stage ..... Surely I am not obliged to pay a bill I have never seen .
2. I tried to claim six months empty and unfurnished exemption but she says that as the previous owner had claimed this the exemption is with the property not the owner and as such I can not claim it ..... Is this true ?
Many thanks