Council Tax Reduction

Council Tax helps pay for policing and refuse collection. You may be entitled to a reduction in Council Tax if you are disabled or have a disabled person living with you.

Disabled band reduction scheme

To apply:

• you, or the disabled person living with you, must be substantially and permanently disabled
• the property must be your, or the disabled person’s, sole or main residence
• the disabled person can be an adult or child and does not have to be the person responsible for paying the Council Tax

Physical disabilities

If you are living in a bigger property because your disability would make it difficult for you to live in a smaller building, for example you need extra space for your wheelchair, you may be entitled to a reduction.

Also, the property must have one of the following:

• a room that has been modified for your, or the disabled person’s sole use
• an additional bathroom, lavatory or kitchen to meet your/their needs
• extra space inside the property to allow a wheelchair to be used - if the wheelchair is for outside use only, this will not count

Severe mental impairment

A person with a serious mental impairment may be able to get a reduction. For example, a serious mental impairment may be where someone permanently can’t understand what Council Tax is, what it is for or why they have to pay it. This can include people with, for example, Alzheimer’s disease. The person will also need to be receiving a benefit like the middle or high component of Disability Living Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance.

If you are being detained in a hospital under the Mental Health Act you may be able to get a discount or exemption. Contact your council for more information.

How to apply for a reduction

Once you have contacted the council they will send you a form to fill in and return. A council officer may make an appointment to see you in your home (all council officers have an identification badge, ask to see it before you let them in). The council officer will make notes on what adaptations you have made to your home (if appropriate), and will want to see evidence of the benefits you get.

If you do not receive a visit you may need to prove that you are disabled. If you are registered with social services as disabled, then this is usually enough.  You may need to tell the council your social worker’s name or provide some paperwork.

If you are not receiving any care from social services your doctor may be able to confirm (in writing) that you are disabled. Usually the council will contact your doctor and ask for information once you have applied.

If you receive any disability benefits, (like Disability Living Allowance) you may need to show your council some paperwork with this information on.

Remember, you will need to apply for the reduction; your council will not automatically apply it, even if you are registered with social services.

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