Council Tax Discounts

The full council tax bill assumes that there are two adults living in a property. If only one adult lives in a property (as their main home) a single person's discount may be given. The bill may also be reduced for an empty property or second home. In some cases a property may even be exempt from a charge. 

Certain people will not be counted when looking at the number of adults living in a property:

• 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

If a discount is given it will be shown on the bill. Discounts range from 10% to 50% reduction:

If you think you are entitled to discount you can download a form to apply or  contact us.

If your bill shows that a discount has been allowed you must tell us, within 21 days, of any change in circumstances which could affect this discount. If you do not you may have to pay a penalty of £70 on the first occasion and £280 on each occasion thereafter.