The full Council Tax Bill assumes that there are two adults living in a dwelling. If only one adult lives in a dwelling (as their main home), the Council Tax bill will be reduced by a quarter (25%). If a dwelling is no-one's sole or main home, the bill will be reduced by a quarter (25%). This can apply to empty dwellings and second homes.
Certain people will not be counted when looking at the number of adult residents in a property if they meet certain conditions:
- full time students, student nurses, apprentices and youth trainees, and initial teacher training
- 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 to 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 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)
- diplomats and members of international organisations headquartered in the UK, and their non British spouses
Discount shown on bills
If a discount is granted the reduction will be shown on the bill. The following table explains the reasons for giving a
discount.
|
Reduction on bill |
Explanation |
| 25% | Only one resident aged 18 or over in the property |
| 25% | More than one resident aged 18 or over, but only one is "counted" |
| 25% | Property is unoccupied and has been for more than 6 months or unoccupied but furnished (including second homes) |
| 50% | More than one resident aged 18 or over, but none are "counted" |
| 50% | Only one resident aged 18 or over, but this person is not "counted" |
If you think you are entitled to discount you should contact Wyre Forest District Council Revenues Section. If your bill indicates that a discount has been allowed, you must tell us within 21 days, of any change in circumstances which affects your entitlement to this discount. If you fail to do so you may be required to pay a penalty of £70 on the first occasion and £280 on each occasion thereafter. Please write to us at Wyre Forest District Council, Financial Services Division, Duke House, Clensmore Street, Kidderminster, Worcs, DY10 2JX.
People with Disabilities
In certain circumstances, we will reduce the amount of Council Tax you have to pay if any member of the household is severely and permanently disabled.
In order to qualify for this reduction, the property must have at least one of the following features:
- a room other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet which the disabled person uses and needs
- an extra bathroom or kitchen needed for the disabled person
- sufficient floor space indoors to allow for use of a wheelchair which is needed by the disabled person.
If you qualify for disability reduction then your bill may be reduced to that of a band immediately below the band shown on the valuation list. With effect from April 2000, a change in the legislation will mean that qualifying Band A properties will be charged at a rate equivalent to five ninths of a Band D charge. Please contact the Revenues Section.
Exempt Dwellings
If an exemption is granted, this will be shown on the bill. This table explains the reasons:| Class |
Time Limits |
Explanation |
| A | 12 Months | Dwellings which have been undergoing major works or structural alteration. In either case must be unoccupied and unfurnished. |
| B | 6 Months | Unoccupied. Dwelling is owned by charity. |
| C | 6 Months | Unoccupied and unfurnished. Please note a previous occupier may have claimed part of this exemption. |
| D | None | Unoccupied. Liable person being detained elsewhere (but not where in prison for non payment of a fine or council tax). |
| E | None | Unoccupied. Liable person now resident in a hospital, nursing home or care home. |
| F | 6 months from Date of Probate | Unoccupied. The dwelling is part of the estate of the deceased person, or the deceased person had a statutory tenancy or a licence to occupy. |
| G | None | Unoccupied. Occupation prohibited by law. |
| H | None | Unoccupied. Awaiting occupation by a minister of religion. |
| I | None | Unoccupied. Liable person receiving care elsewhere. |
| J | None | Unoccupied. Liable person providing care elsewhere. |
| K | None | Unoccupied. Liable person is a full time student. |
| L | None | Unoccupied. The dwelling has been taken into possession by a mortgage lender. |
| M | None | Occupied - Occupied as a hall of residence |
| N |
None |
Occupied - entirely by students. |
| O |
None |
Occupied/Unoccupied - British armed forces accommodation. |
| P |
None |
Occupied - visiting forces. |
| Q | None | Unoccupied. Liable person is a trustee in bankruptcy. |
| R | None | Unoccupied. Pitch/mooring not occupied by caravan/boat. |
| S |
None |
Occupied only by person/s under 18 years old. |
| T | None | Unoccupied dwelling which forms part of a single property which includes another dwelling and may not be let separately from that other dwelling. |
| U | None | Occupied only by person/s who are severally mentally impaired. |
| V | None | Occupied only by a person who is a diplomat or a member of an international organisation headquartered in the UK. |
| W |
None |
Occupied - An elderly or disabled relative living in a separate dwelling forming part of a larger property. |
If your bill indicates that an exemption has been granted, you must tell Wyre Forest District Council within 21 days, of
any change in circumstances which affects your entitlement to the exemption, or you may face a penalty.
