If you have already been awarded a discount or exemption it will show on your bill.
The full Council Tax bill assumes that there are two adults (over the age of 18) living in a property. The bill does not increase if more than two adults are resident.
Single person discount
Adults who are not counted
People with disabilities
Second homes
Discounts for unoccupied properties
Exemptions for occupied properties
Exemptions for unoccupied properties
Further Information
Applying for a discount or exemption
Single person discount
The full Council Tax applies when there are two adults living in a property. If you are the only adult living at your address as your main home you can claim a 25 percent discount on your bill.
Adults who are not counted
If one or more of the adults in your house are not counted, you may be entitled to a discount or exemption on your Council Tax Bill. Adults who are not counted are:
If one or more of the adults in your house are not counted, you may be entitled to a discount or exemption on your Council Tax Bill. Adults who are not counted are:
- Full-time students, student nurses, apprentices and those on youth training schemes
- Patients resident in hospital or who are being looked after in care homes
- People who are severely mentally impaired
- Carers - People living with and caring for someone who is not ther partner, spouse or child.
- People staying in certain hostels or night shelters
- 18 and 19 year olds who are at school or college, or who have just left
- People in prison or detention– unless in prison for not paying Council Tax or non payment of a fine.
People with disabilities
If there is a room, extra space or additional bathroom or kitchen in your property that is needed by a disabled occupant, the disabled band reduction scheme may help you to get a reduction in your Council Tax. The reduction is the equivilent of your band being reduced to the band below, or by a sixth if your property is in Band A.To claim this reduction, please complete the 'Application for disablement reduction' on the right.
Second Homes
If your address is a second home, and is furnished, you are entitled to a 50 percent discount on your Council Tax. To claim this discount you will need to provide evidence of you main home. To claim this discount, please ring us on 01204 331599.
Discounts for unoccupied properties
Unoccupied properties that are furnished are eligible for a 50 percent discount.
Unoccupied properties that are not furnished are fully exempt for the first six months and then are eligible for a 50 percent discount after that.However, in certain circumstances there may be entitlement to a full exemption rather than a 50 percent discount.
Exemptions
Occupied properties
- Occupied only by people under 18
- Occupied only by people who are severely mentally impaired
- Occupied only by full time students or student nurses
- Where the property is part of another property and a dependent relative lives in it, such as a ‘granny flat’ or annex.
Unoccupied properties
- Unfurnished properties are exempt for up to six months
- Properties owned by a charity are exempt for up to six months
- Where a property requires or is undergoing major repairs or structural alterations an exemption for up to 12 months can be claimed
- Properties property left empty by someone who is a permanent resident in hospital, residential. nursing home or in prison or detention
- Properties left empty by someone providing care for another person
- Properties which are unoccupied and the owner or leaseholder is a full-time student who last lived in the dwelling as a main home
- Properties left empty because someone has died are exempt where probate has yet to be made and for up to six months after probate has been granted
- Properties left empty because they have been repossessed or are the responsibility of a trustee in bankruptcy
- Properties left empty because occupation is not allowed by law
- Properties waiting to be occupied by a minister of religion
Further Information
For more information about discounts and exemptions, please see the leaflet 'Council Tax- A guide to your bill'
Applying for a discount or exemption
Application forms can be found at the top of this page under Downloads and Links.
Please use the 'Discount application form' for:
- Single Person Discount
- Adults who are not counted
- Exemptions for occupied properties
There is further information on the discount form about what evidence you should provide and if you need to complete any extra forms.
Please use the 'Exemptions Application for properties under or requiring renovation' form. if your property is undergoing or requires structural alteration or major repairs.
To apply for any other discounts or exemptions, or to request a form by post, please contact us on 01204 331599.