Relief for disabled residents
The disabled band reduction scheme aims to ensure that disabled people do not pay more Council Tax because they live in a larger property than they would have needed if they were not disabled. Having a disability does not automatically entitle you to a reduction.
If you or some one who lives with you is disabled person and your property has been permanently adapted to help with their condition you may get a reduction in your Council Tax.
Someone is considered a disabled person if their illness or injuries are substantial and not likely to improve.
The property is classed as being permanently adapted when either:
- there is a room, other than a bathroom or kitchen which is used mainly to meet the needs of the disabled person, or
- there is a second bathroom or kitchen which is required to meet the needs of the disabled person, for example a second kitchen installed where the work surface is lower to allow a person using a wheelchair to use it fully, or
- the disabled person needs to use a wheelchair in the property, and there is enough floor space to allow this.
However, changes such as:
- putting in a stair lift
- putting in grip rails or ramp access
- putting in movable equipment (commode etc) or using another lavatory, or
- using a ground floor room as a bedroom
do not necessarily mean you would get this reduction.
The disabled reduction is calculated in the form of a band reduction, for example a band D property will be charged at the rate of a band C property for the period that the reduction is applicable. If the property is currently band A then the bill will be lowered by 1/9th of a band D charge.
The reduction lasts until the disabled person is no longer at the address or the adaptations are removed. This reduction does not stop you from receiving any other discount or benefit.
If you think you may be entitled to this reduction please
- complete an disability reduction application form, and return it to the Council Tax team.