In certain cases you may qualify for a Council Tax reduction- for example if the property's empty, only one adult lives there or you're disabled, a student, nurse or other special category. If you're on a low income you may qualify for Council Tax Benefit.
Council Tax discounts
There are that you may be eligible to claim to reduce your bill.
The full Council Tax bill assumes that there are at least two adults living in a home. If only one adult lives in a home (as their main home), the Council Tax is reduced by 25 per cent. The bill doesn't increase if there are more than two adults in the home.
Certain people aren't counted when working out the number of adults who live in your home. If the home isn't anyone's main home, then a discount may also apply.
Lower banding disability relief
When a disabled resident needs additional space for a wheelchair to be used indoors, or where an extra room is needed to meet special needs, lower banding disability relief provides a reduction to your Council Tax. The reduction is equivalent to a rebanding to the band immediately below that shown on the valuation list.
Council Tax Exemptions
Some dwellings may be exempt from Council Tax (a brief description only is given).
The following classes of unoccupied properties may qualify for an exemption from Council Tax:
A second home, or an empty furnished property owned by a landlord is not exempt but is eligible for a Council Tax discount.
The following occupied properties may also be exempt:
| Class | Description |
| M | Halls of residence occupied by students |
| N | Properties solely occupied by full-time students, and their non student spouse who is not a British citizen and prevented from taking employment or claiming public funds (benefits) |
| O | Properties owned by the Ministry of Defence for armed forces accommodation |
| P | Properties occupied only by members of visiting forces and their dependants |
| S | Properties where the only resident is under 18, or all the residents are under 18 |
| U | Properties occupied by the severely mentally impaired |
| V | Properties occupied by a diplomat |
| W | Annexes occupied by dependent relatives |
If your bill shows that an exemption has been granted for your property, you must contact us if the property is no longer exempt.
Getting Financial help
Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate
If you're on a low income, or you live with another adult (not your partner) who's on a low income, you may be able to claim Council Tax Benefit or Second Adult Rebate. This will mean you'll have some or all of your Council Tax paid for you.
