Last Updated : 12.11.2008

You are here: Home > council > Council Tax and Finance > Council Tax > Discounts

Council Tax Discounts

Discounts

The full amount of council tax is payable if two (or more) adults live in a dwelling. If only one adult lives in a property (as their main home), there is a reduction of one quarter (25%).

For a furnished second home the discount is 10%.  For substantially unfurnished second or long term empty homes there is no discount.

If you think you should be entitled to a discount you can download an application form or you can contact our council tax team.

When deciding the number of adult residents some people are not counted if they meet certain conditions. These "discount disregard" categories are as follows;

  

• A person aged 18 for whom child benefit is still payable.

      

• Full-time student, student nurse, apprentices or YT trainees.  

    

• People caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner or child under 18 (carer must live in the same dwelling).

         

• People who are severely mentally impaired.

  

• Members of visiting forces and certain international institutions.

  

• Patient resident in hospital.  

     

• People receiving care, in a home or nursing home.

    

• Members of religious communities (monks and nuns).

    

• Residential care workers working for low pay.
      

• People staying in certain hostels or night shelters.
       

• People in prison (except those in prison for non-payment of council tax or a fine).  

• Non-British spouse of a student, if not permitted to claim benefit.  

  

If someone is "disregarded" bringing the number of adults to less than two, you can download a form with relevant information or contact our council tax team to claim discount stating which category applies. If your bill indicates that a discount has been allowed, you must tell the Council of any change of circumstances which affects your entitlement. You can also tell us online if you wish to claim a discount or inform us about a discount adjustment.

  

People with Disabilities

Disabled relief is available to council taxpayers if their property contains a special feature, such as an extra room or space to use a wheelchair, or bathroom which is for a disabled person (adult or child) who lives in their home.

The relief will be allowed by treating the property as if it were in the next lower valuation band. If your property has already been placed in a lower band this will be indicated on your bill. If you think you may be entitled to disabled relief reduction you should contact council tax.

• 
• 
• 
•