Council tax discounts and exemptions

The level of council tax you pay is based on two elements:

• The Valuation band of your property and;
• The number of people over 18 that reside in the dwelling

When the tax is worked out we assume that two adults live in the dwelling, unless we have been told otherwise.

Single Person's Discount

If you live alone and this discount does not show on your bill you may be entitled to a 25% reduction in your Council Tax bill. In some circumstances we may need to decide where someone's sole or main residence is. For example if they own more than one dwelling or work away from home.

If you want to apply for this discount complete the online form at the following link:

Single Person Discount Application

Single Persons Discount Review

The Council has a duty to review entitlement to Council Tax discounts each year. A review form is issued to all taxpayers receiving a Single Persons discount asking for confirmation of any changes. If  there are no changes no further action is needed.

If you want to notify us of any change that may affect your Single Person Discount please use the online form at the following link:

Single Person Discount Change in Circumstances

Other Discounts

There are other circumstances when you may qualify for a 25% discount if you or someone, who lives with you, is one of the following:

• Full time student, student nurses, apprentices and Youth Training trainees;
• A non British spouse ( or dependant ) of a student;
• Patient resident in hospital;
• Resident in a nursing or care home;
• Severely mentally impaired;
• Staying in certain hostels or night shelters;
• 18 or 19 year olds who are at or have just left school;
• Care Worker working for low pay, usually for charities.  For the definition of a Care Worker for Council Tax purposes, please visit the following link:  Care Worker Definition
• A person caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner, or child under 18 years of age.  For the definition of a Carer for Council Tax purposes please visit the following link:  Carer Definition 
• Member of a religious community;
• In prison ( unless in prison for non payment of Council Tax or a fine);
• Member of visiting forces and certain international institutions;
• A person with diplomatic privileges

If you want to apply for the above discount then contact us using the details on the left and ask for an application form. We will send you the application form and further information about the discount. Simply complete the form and return to us.

Reductions for People with Disabilities

It may be possible to have your Council Tax bill reduced if a disabled person lives in your dwelling and has one of the following features:

• A room which is not a bathroom, kitchen or lavatory and the disabled person is the main user of the room and it is essential for the disabled person's needs;
• An additional bathroom or kitchen which is required for meeting the needs of the disabled person;
• Additional floor space to permit the use of a wheelchair which is required for meeting the needs of the disabled person.

If you are granted a disabled person's reduction, the charge for Council Tax will be at one band lower than the band shown on the Valuation List. If your property is already in Band A (the lowest) you will be entitled to a reduction equal to 1/9 the charge of the Band D level.

If you want to apply for this discount complete the following online form:

Disabled Relief Application

Properties Exempt from Council Tax

Some properties are exempt from Council Tax. This means that there is no charge to pay for the period of the exemption.

Your property may be exempt if any of the following apply:

• Undergoing major repairs or structural alterations, this applies for a maximum of 12 months;
• Unoccupied and owned by a charity, this applies for a maximum of 6 months;
• Unoccupied dwellings which are also unfurnished, this applies for a maximum of 6 months;
• Unoccupied due to the person being in prison. This does not apply where the occupant is in prison for non-payment of Council Tax or fines;
• Unoccupied due to the person having left to live in a care home;
• Unoccupied awaiting probate or letters of administration where the Council taxpayer is deceased, this applies for a maximum of 6 months after such a grant;
• Unoccupied where occupation is prohibited by law;
• Unoccupied where the dwelling is held for a minister of religion;
• Unoccupied due to the person living elsewhere to receive personal care;
• Unoccupied due to the person living elsewhere to provide personal care;
• Dwelling left unoccupied by students;
• Unoccupied dwellings that have been repossessed;
• Students' halls of residence;
• Dwellings occupied solely by students;
• UK armed forces accommodation;
• Visiting forces accommodation;
• Unoccupied dwelling left empty by a bankrupt person;
• Unoccupied caravan pitch or boat mooring;
• Dwelling occupied only by persons under 18;
• Unoccupied annexe to an occupied dwelling;
• Dwelling occupied solely by severely mentally impaired persons;
• Dwelling which is the main residence of a person with diplomatic privilege or immunity;
• Annexe to an occupied dwelling, occupied by an elderly or disabled dependant relative of the main dwellings occupier

If you want to apply for any of the above discount then contact us at the address shown above on the left and ask for an application form. We will send you the application form and further information about the discount. Simply complete the form and return to us.

Last updated 22/12/2011