A full Council Tax bill assumes that there are two or more adults, aged 18 years or above living in a dwelling. If you are the only adult, you will be entitled to a 25% discount. If no-one is resident, a 10% discount will normally apply.
Council Tax is calculated on the assumption that two adults reside at a property. However certain people can be disregarded which may result in a 25% or even 50% discount being granted.
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Under 18's - disregarded. Exempt if living alone.
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Over 18's - disregarded when child benefit is still payable.
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School & College leavers - Where they have been undertaking study at no higher than 'A' level will be exempt until 31 October following the summer exams.
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Students - 1/ Aged under 20 undertaking a course for more than 3 months with a minimum 12 hours tuition/study per week. The course should be no higher than ‘A’ level.
2/ Undertaking a course of at least one academic or calendar year with a Prescribed Educational Establishment. The course should consist of a minimum 24 weeks term time and 21 hours of study/tuition per week
3 / Foreign language assistants
NB students must supply a ‘student certificate’ obtainable from their college which confirms their date of birth, course dates and whether it is full time. Houses wholly occupied by full time students will be exempt.
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Apprentices - must be learning a trade and studying towards a recognised qualification. Salary must be £195.00pw maximum.
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Prisoners - must be detained in a prison, hospital or any other place by a court (includes if out on temporary release). If a property is left empty due to detention, it will be exempt. Prisoners do not qualify if imprisoned due to non-payment of Council Tax! (or a fine).
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Severely Mentally Impaired - must have a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning, however caused. Must be in receipt of at least one of certain benefits (see application form) and the application form must be signed by his/her doctor. If sole occupier will be exempt.
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Hospital Patients - Must be permanently in hospital. If was sole occupier, the empty property will be exempt if that person is still liable for the council tax.
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People in Care Homes or Hostels - must be permanent. This will include persons in a home due to illness, mental disorder or alcohol/drug abuse. If was sole occupier the empty property will be exempt if that person is still liable for the council tax.
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Residents in Hostels - For homeless people where the majority of facilities are communal.
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Carers - 1/ Must be providing care on behalf of an official or charity.
2/ Must be employed by the person receiving care and have been introduced by a charitable body.
or 3/ Must be caring for someone in receipt of certain benefits.
In respect of 1) and 2) above the carer must be employed for at least 24 hours per week and earn no more than £44.00pw.
In respect of 3) the carer must provide care for at least 35 hours per week and the person receiving care must not be the husband, wife or partner or son/daughter who is under 18. Certain allowances must be in payment:-
Higher Rate of Attendance Allowance, an Increase in the rate of Disablement Pension or the Highest Rate of the Care Component of the Disability Living Allowance.
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Members of Regious Communities - i.e. nuns, must have no income or capital of their own and be dependant on the Community.
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Members of International HQ & Defence Organisations - A member, or dependant, will be disregarded or exempt if sole occupier/s.
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Members of Visiting Forces - Members and their dependants disregarded when they are neither British citizens nor usually resident in the UK.
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National Traineeship Trainees - Must be under 25 and receiving training in line with an individual training plan under the National Traineeship Scheme.
You can apply for Council Tax discount by downloading and completing our Council Tax Discount Form or by contacting Financial Services.
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