If there is only one adult resident in the dwelling, a discount of 25% will apply. A resident is a person over the age of 18 who occupies the property as their sole or main residence.
Some adults who live in the dwelling will be 'disregarded' for discount purposes. In other words, they will not be counted as members of the household for the purpose of claiming a Council Tax discount.
Adults falling into the following groups are disregarded:
- full-time students, student nurses; apprentices and Youth Training trainees
- patients resident in hospital
- people who are being looked after in care homes
- people who are severely mentally impaired
- people staying in certain hostels or night shelters
- 18 and 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 who is not a spouse, partner or child under 18
- members of visiting forces and certain international institutions
- members of religious communities (monks and nuns)
- people in prison (except those in prison for non-payment of Council Tax or a fine)
A discount may therefore apply if:
- all but one of the adults who live in the dwelling are disregarded, or
- all of the adults who live in the dwelling are disregarded.
If your bill indicates that a discount has been allowed, you must tell your billing authority of any change in your circumstances which affects your entitlement. If you fail to do so, you could be liable to a penalty.
The Local Government Act 2003 introduced new discretionary powers for councils in respect of council tax discounts. The Act provides more freedom for councils to determine or vary discounts and exemptions from council tax in order to take into account local problems such as flooding and other natural disasters.
If you think you may be entitled to a discount , the appropriate application forms and full details can be obtained from the Head of Financial Services or through this website.