Council Tax band reductions
If you are disabled, or you have someone disabled living with you, a reduction in your Council Tax banding may be applicable, if the criteria laid down in Council Tax legislation is met.
To qualify for a reduction a disabled person of any age must live in the property for which the claim is being made.
A doctor must certify that the person is disabled and that the disabled person would be substantially affected if the facilities were not present in the house.
One of the following criteria must be met:
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the disabled person uses a wheelchair inside the house
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there is an additional kitchen in the house
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there is an additional bathroom (with a bath or shower) in the house
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a room other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet is being used predominantly by the disabled person and is required to meet the needs of the disabled person
Important Note:
A reduction in relation to wheelchair space will normally only be granted where the disabled person needs to use the wheelchair as their only means of getting around the property, if a person only uses a wheelchair out of doors, a reduction would not be applicable.
A second bathroom or kitchen has to be essential to the needs of the disabled person. The fact that there is one in the property anyway, will not automatically qualify for the reduction.
Please note that being in receipt of Disability Benefit is not a qualifying condition.
If the qualifying criteria are met the property will be placed in the Valuation Band immediately below that to which it was originally allocated for example "B" to "A".
It is still possible to receive a Disabled Person Reduction if you reside in a Band "A" property. Inspectors from the Council Tax office may also inspect the property before a decision is made on any application. To apply for Disabled Persons Reduction (PDF, 48Kb), please download and fill out the form.
The documentary evidence that must be provided to support each application is detailed on the form.
If you qualify for a Disabled Banding Reduction we will send you a replacement Council Tax bill showing the reduced sum due. If the claim is unsuccessful or we require further information we will telephone, email or write to you.
Review of the Reduction
This reduction will continue providing the qualifying criteria are being met. However, we will conduct a review of your circumstances by contacting you by letter each year. If at any time you believe the reduction no longer applies then you must contact the Council immediately.