Council Tax is made up of a 50% property element and a 50% personal element. The full charge is based on the assumption that there are a minimum of two adults resident in a dwelling.
If only one person lives in a dwelling; if the dwelling is unoccupied or; if the dwelling is occupied by people who do not count towards council tax occupancy ; the council tax bill may be reduced by awarding a discount. There are seven different circumstances when a discount can be awarded.
Single occupant
If you are the only person over the age of 18 living in your property you may be entitled to a 25% discount.
You can use the 'single person's discount' form on the right of this page to apply for this discount.
More than one person over the age of 18 living in your property, but only one person counts towards paying
In certain circumstances a person may not be counted as living at a property for the purposes of awarding a discount. These people are known as being disregarded and if only one person is left in your property after everyone else is disregarded you may be entitled to a 25% discount. People who may not count towards paying council tax are:
You will have to provide proof of your status i.e. a student certificate, a doctors certificate, a letter from your prison etc.
More than one person over the age of 18 living in your property, but no-one counts towards paying
If everyone living in your property is disregarded for any of the reasons shown above you may be entitled to a 50% discount.
Only one person over the age of 18 living in the property who doesn’t count towards paying
If you live alone and are disregarded for any of the reasons shown above you may be entitled to a 50% discount.
Empty but furnished property
If you own a property, which is not anyone’s sole or main residence and is furnished, for example a landlord between tenants you may be entitled to a 10% discount.
A second home
If you own a second or holiday home your may be entitled to a 10% discount. You must be registered and paying full council tax on another property in England and Wales to qualify for this discount.
Tied accommodation
If your property is provided for you by your employer and forms part of your contract of employment you may be entitled to a 50% discount.
If you would like to apply for these discounts, please contact us using the details below. Please confirm the address and status of your property, where you are currently living and a contact telephone number. Our visiting officers may contact you to arrange a visit on your property.