Do I qualify for a Council Tax discount, reduction or exemption?

A full Council Tax bill is based on at least 2 adults living in a home. Spouses and partners who live together are jointly responsible for paying the bill.

Disregarded

Some people are not counted (‘disregarded’) when working out how many people live in a property. This means you might be able to apply for a discount on your Council Tax bill if you get one.

You’re disregarded if you’re:

• Under 18
• Full-time students, student nurses, apprentices, and those on youth training schemes
• People who are severely mentally impaired
• Those aged 18 or 19 who are currently in or have recently left school
• Care workers employed by charities and earning low pay
• Those caring for someone living with them, who has a disability - but is not a spouse, partner, or child under 18
• Members of visiting forces and certain international institutions
• Members of religious communities, such as monks or nuns
• Patients residing in hospitals
• Those residing in care homes
• Those staying in specific hostels or night shelters
• Those in prison (unless incarcerated for non-payment of Council Tax).

Reductions and Exemptions

You’ll get 50% off your bill if everyone living in your household is disregarded.

You’ll get 25% off your bill if you pay Council Tax and either:

• you live on your own (Single person discount)
• everyone else in your home is disregarded

You might not need to pay any Council Tax if your home fits into one of these categories:

• Solely occupied by students
• Solely occupied by individuals who are severely mentally impaired
• Solely occupied by diplomats
• Solely occupied by those under 18 years of age
• An annexe or similar self-contained part of a property separately banded and occupied by a relative over 65 years of age or a disabled relative
• Used as visiting defence forces accommodation.

How to apply

You can apply for a single person discount and a student discount online. For all other reductions or exemptions, you will need to call 01442 228000 and ask for 'Council Tax' when prompted.