Council Tax discounts

We carry out reviews of Council Tax discounts and exemptions to make sure our records are up to date and accurate. We'll contact you and ask you to complete a review. If you don't reply to us, your discount will end and we'll send you a new Council Tax bill.

Schedule 3 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 allows us to impose penalties where a charge payer fails to supply information or provides false information. 

The council can charge a penalty of £70 to any person who:

• fails to notify the council that they are no longer entitled to a discount
• fails to notify the council that their property is no longer entitled to an exemption
• fails to supply information following a request from the council, or supplies information which is incorrect or false

We may impose a further penalty of £280 where: 

• a £70 penalty has been applied
• further information is requested but the person still fails to provide the information
• continues to provide false information

A further penalty of £280 will apply each time information is withheld or false information given.

If your circumstances change, you must tell us straight away. You can do this online using MyAccount.

Some people are entitled to a discount on their Council Tax bill.

Council Tax bills are worked out assuming two adults live in a property. If you are the only adult in your home, you can apply for a single person discount, which gives you a 25% reduction.

Cancelling a single person discount

If your situation has changed and someone over 18 is now living with you, you will need to cancel your single person discount. 

Login to MyAccount to submit your cancel a single person form. 

If someone has moved into your home to provide care for you, if you live with someone who is caring for you, or a child you care for has turned 18, they may be disregarded for Council Tax purposes when we calculate your bill. This means you may be eligible for a 25% discount on your Council Tax.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Council Tax exemption, your carer:

• must be living with you
• providing full-time care, for at least 35 hours per week, in your home
• must not be your spouse or partner

The person being cared for must be over 18.

The person being cared for must be receiving one of the following benefits:

• Disability Living Allowance - middle or higher rate of the care component
• Personal Independence Payment - daily living component at any rate
• Attendance Allowance - any rate
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance - an increase in rate/higher rate
• Disablement Pension - an increase in rate/highest amount of increase

As a live-in carer, you do not need to be receiving carer's allowance to qualify for this Council Tax discount. More than one person in a household can qualify as a live-in carer, provided each meets the qualifying criteria.

Students are disregarded for Council Tax. If two adults live in your home and one is a full-time student, you may be able to get a student discount. The student must be taking a course of at least 21 hours a week for 24 weeks a year.

If three adults live in your home and one of you is a student, you won’t be entitled to a student discount.

If you think you are eligible for a student discount, sign into MyAccount to apply. You will need to upload a copy of your student certificate.

There are discounts for people who have a severe cognitive disorder.

Some people are entitled to a full discount and will not need to pay Council Tax at all (disregarded people). You could be classed as a disregarded person if:

• you are a patient in hospital for a long time
• you are being looked after in a care home
• you are staying in a hostel or night shelter
• you are 18 or 19 and still in education
• you are a care worker on a very low income
• you are caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner or child under 18
• you are a member of visiting armed forces or certain international institutions
• you are a member of a religious community
• you are in prison (unless you are in prison for not paying your Council Tax or a fine)

You could receive a discount if your property is unoccupied because it needs major repairs before it can be lived in.

A Council Tax reduction can help if you have little or no income to pay your Council Tax. We will not pay money to you but we will credit your Council Tax account. This will reduce the amount you have to pay.