Disregard, Discount, Reduction and Exemptions! And we wonder why people don’t claim help with Council Tax!?
Council Tax ‘Benefit’ is usually means tested. The name changed to Council Tax Reduction (also called support) in April 2013. It is usually administered by District Council rather than a Local Authority or County Council. Unless you live in a Unitary Council or a Universal Credit applicant with eligible housing costs.
Why are there so many terms for help with a Council tax bill?
Because Council Tax reduction/support/benefit is usually means tested for it to apply as non-means tested support it has to be based on a property or person being exempt. Disregarding a person or providing a discount to a household situation rather than applying a financial assessment to an individual.
One of the more common exemptions is for someone who is moving into a care/nursing home when the property is exempt or living with a ‘severe mental impairment’ when the person is exempt.
If you’re selling an empty property on behalf of an owner who’s died, you only start paying Council Tax 6 months after you get probate.
Types of help available
Discounts and Disregards
Single occupant disregard or discount if person is part of couple.
Live-in carer who is looking after someone who isn’t a partner, spouse, or child under 18 are disregarded.
Exemptions
A person living with a ‘Severe Mental Impairment’ is exempt when assessing a property for Council Tax
A property of someone in long term care or Hospital will be exempt.
Reduction
A severely physically disabled person who needs enough space for them to use a wheelchair indoors. A bathroom especially for them or other room (not kitchen or bathroom) especially for them. There is no acid test for disability band reduction but a disability benefit may be an indicator. Evidence may be useful – Adult Social Care or independent care plan/report, GP/Medical practitioner…
If you would like some help please Get In Touch.
Care Navigators
