Council tax - discounts and reductions

Reliefs / Reductions

If you don't already get any of these reliefs or reductions and think you may be due one, please ask us for an application form or print off a  form, fill it in and send it back to us.  Apply right away, as we might not be able to backdate your award.

Water Services charges reduction

The scheme helps households who get Council Tax Benefit.  There is a change from 1st April 2006.  If you have two or more adults in your house, your water charges will be reduced by 25% if you get full benefit.  If you get partial Council Tax Benefit, you water services charges reduction will be less than 25%.

People with disabilities

If you, or someone who lives with you, have a disability and need an extra room or bathroom to meet their needs or use a wheelchair indoors, then you may qualify for a reduction in your bill. To apply for this please complete Person with a Disability form or call 01786 443210 for further information.

Discount

You may be able to get a discount of 10%, 25% or 50% depending on your circumstances

  • 10% - where it is no-one’s sole or main residence, for example, a second home, or a property classed as ‘long term empty’ or a vacant furnished let between tenants
  • 25% - only one person 18 years or older living in the property where it is their main home
  • 25% - only one person counted, others are not counted due to their special circumstances (see below)
  • 50% - all residents are not counted due to their special circumstances (see below)
  • 50% - a purpose built holiday home or a second home with planning restrictions that prevent it being lived in all year round
  • 50% - a property that has been unoccupied for more than 12 months and a new owner can’t occupy it because it has to undergo major works to make it habitable.

The following people are not counted due to their special circumstances – skill seekers; certain apprentices (there is an upper wage limit); certain full time students; certain student nurses; recent school leavers; people who are classed as ‘severely mentally impaired’; certain carers; long term hospital and care home patients; and members of religious communities.

Exemption

Properties occupied solely by people in the following:categories are exempt for council tax

  • full time students,
  • people who are classed as ‘severely mentally impaired’

Also exempt are unoccupied properties which are:

  • unfurnished (for 6 months from the date last occupied)
  • undergoing major structural works (for up to 12 months from the date last occupied – even if by a previous owner)
  • the responsibility of a deceased person’s estate (up to 6 months after the Grant of Confirmation)
  • the previous resident owner or tenant is in long term care (hospital, nursing or residential care home)
  • former resident owner providing care elsewhere
  • unfurnished agricultural property
  • manses awaiting a minister
  • occupation prohibited by law.

for guidance leaflets see the page on Council Tax benefits here:

Further information…