Council Tax Discounts
Two adults
The full Council Tax bill assumes there are two or more adults (18 plus) living in a dwelling as their main home. If there is only one adult, the Council Tax bill will be reduced by a quarter (25%).
Empty home, second home or a rented home between lets
If a non exempt dwelling is no-one's main home (for example an empty home, second home or a rented home between lets) and is unfurnished there is no discount and the full bill is payable. However, if the property contains furniture, the bill will be reduced by a quarter (25%) unless you are also the Council Taxpayer at another UK address, where you/your spouse are required to live by your employer, in which case you may be able to claim a 50% discount. As we may need to inspect the property and/or require further information please |contact us to claim.
The following people do not count towards the number of adults living in your home:
- full time students (and certain non-UK spouses/ dependants), student nurses, apprentices, youth training
- trainees and foreign language assistants
- people who are permanently cared for in nursing homes, care homes or hospitals
- people who are severely mentally impaired
- people staying in certain hostels or night shelters
- 18 or 19 year olds who are at or have just left school
- careworkers working for low pay, usually for charities
- people caring for someone with a disability (not their partner or child under 18)
- members of visiting forces and certain international institutions
- diplomats and their non-UK spouses
- members of religious communities (e.g. monks and nuns)
- people in prison (except those in prison for non-payment of council tax or a fine)
Council Tax Single Person's Discount application form
If you think you may be entitled to a discount not shown on your bill you should |complete the Single Person Discount Application form or |write to us. These notes are for guidance only. |A booklet explaining the above groups is available.
Please do not delay claiming any discount or exemption or you may pay more than you need.
Information sharing and fraud
We must protect public funds and may use the information you give us to prevent and detect fraud. We regularly check existing claims. These checks may include talking to your neighbours and other local people. We may also share information with other sections of the Council and organisations approved by the Data Protection Commissioner, including credit reference agencies for the purpose of detecting Council Tax or benefit fraud.
If you suspect someone is falsely claiming discount please complete our |Council Tax fraud notification form.
