Discounts

The Council Tax assumes that there are two adults living in a property.  You may be able to get a discount if this is not the case, for example, if you live on your own.  Where only one adult lives in the property the bill will be reduced by a quarter (25%).

 

When deciding how many adults are resident, the following are disregarded:

• full time students, student nurses, apprentices and Youth Training trainees
• patients resident in hospital
• people who are being looked after in care homes
• people who are severely mentally impaired
• people staying in certain hostels and night shelters
• 18 and 19 year olds who are at, or have just left school
• care workers working for low pay, usually for charities
• people caring for someone with a disability who is not a partner or child under 18
• members of visiting forces and certain international institutions
• members of religious communities
  
• people in prison (except those in prison for non-payment of council tax or a fine)
• people with diplomatic privileges or immunities.

If we give you a discount, you must tell us about any change in your circumstances which could affect your entitlement, eg another adult joining the household.  If you fail to do so, you may be required to pay a penalty. 

Long Term Empty Properties

 

The Council has new powers to reduce the discount on long term empty dwellings in order to encourage them to be brought back into use.  With effect from 1st April 2005 there will be no discount granted after the period of exemption.

 

Disability Reductions

 

If you, or someone who lives with you, has a room, an extra bathroom or kitchen, or extra space in your property to meet special needs arising from a disability, you may entitled to pay less Council Tax.  The bill may be reduced a valuation band.  A reduction could also be made if your home is in Band A.