Council Tax Discounts

What is a council tax discount?

There are a variety of council tax discounts available and they apply in various circumstances:

Single person discount

If there is only one person over 18 in your home, you can get a single person discount. Single person's discount only applies to your main home, where you live. You can't get it for a second home. The charge can be reduced by 25% if only one person occupies the property.

Do you live in an annex?

If you live in an annex to another property and are a relative of the person who pays council tax at that property, you could be entitled to a 50% reduction in your council tax charge.

Empty properties

If a property is empty/unfurnished and unoccupied you may be entitled to a 100% discount for up to one month. A full charge becomes payable at the expiry of this period.

If a property is furnished and not used as a main home or is classed as a second home, you will not be entitled to any discount and a full charge is payable.

If a property is undergoing or requires major repairs or structural alterations, you may be entitled to a 50% discount for up to 12 months. A full charge becomes payable at the expiry of this period.

Exempt properties

Certain properties are exempt for council tax due to its occupation or condition, including unoccupied or unfurnished homes. An exemption from council tax means there is no council tax to pay.

Council tax discount disregards

Certain people can be 'disregarded' for council tax purposes. This means we do not count them when we are working out how many adults live in the property.

More information on council tax discount disregards

Council Tax Penalties

The Council can impose a penalty if you fail to notify the authority of any changes to your circumstances.