Council Tax discounts (for people)

Council Tax is based on at least two adults living in your home, but some people are not counted. So even if there is more than one adult in your home you might still get a discount. Each PDF form includes notes explaining how you may qualify. Remember - some properties are entirely exempt from Council Tax. See our Exemptions page for more information. See our benefits pages if you feel you might be eligible for Housing or Council Tax Benefit.

If you have trouble opening or printing PDF documents please fill in our on-line request for a discount/exemption or contact the Council Tax office.

Single Person Discount

The Council Tax is based on at least two adults (aged 18 or over) living in your home. If only one adult lives in your home, your bill will be reduced by a quarter (25%). To apply, complete our online Sole Occupancy Discount Form or download a printable Sole Occupancy Discount Form(pdf, 21KB) and send it back to us.

Reductions for people with a disability

If anyone living in your home has a disability and uses a wheelchair at home, or they need a room or an extra bathroom or kitchen to meet their special needs, you may be entitled to a reduced bill.

If this applies, we will charge you at the rate for the valuation band immediately below the one your band is in. If your home is already in Band A, you will still get a reduction.

This reduction does not depend on your savings or income. For further information regarding Council Tax reduction for disabled people, visit the DirectGov website.

Discount application form for disabled people(pdf, 81KB)

Students

We do not count full time students as living in your home, if they fit certain criteria. For properties completely occupied by students, see the Exemptions page for a full exemption for Council Tax.

• Full time students(pdf, 32KB)

Other students or certain partners or dependants of students:

• Student nurses(pdf, 365KB) (who are not full time students)  
• Apprentices(pdf, 1019KB)
• Youth Training trainees(pdf, 363KB)
• Foreign language assistants(pdf, 348KB)
• Students' partners or dependants(pdf, 309KB) who are not British citizens and cannot work for money or claim benefits because of the terms of their entry into this country.

Other discounts

• People you receive Child Benefit for(pdf, 110KB)
• People with severe mental problems(pdf, 106KB)
• People who are in prison - except those in prison for non payment of council tax or a fine(pdf, 250KB)
• Patients whose main home is in a hospital(pdf, 107KB)
• People who are being looked after in a care home or nursing home(pdf, 117KB)
• Care workers working for low pay(pdf, 160KB) or People who are caring for somebody with a disability -not a partner or child under 18(pdf, 160KB)
• People living in short stay hostels or night shelters(pdf, 110KB)
• Members of religious communities - monks or nuns(pdf, 133KB)  
• Members of international headquarters and defence organisations and their dependants(pdf, 107KB)
• 18 and 19 year olds who are at or have just left school(pdf, 127KB)  
• Members of visiting forces and their dependants(pdf, 131KB)
• Diplomats who are not liable for council tax(pdf, 115KB)

Information you send to us will be used in accordance with our Personal Information Policy.