Council Tax Discount - for 65's and Over

Council Tax discount for those aged 65 and Over

New from 1 April 2009

Barnsley MBC has introduced a new local Council Tax discount for Council Tax payers aged 65 and Over from 1 April 2009.

If you became 65 during 2008/9, or before, then you may qualify for the new discount.

How much is the discount?

The reduction in 2009/10 will meet the increased Barnsley element of the Council Tax bill as detailed below:

Council Tax Banding	Council Tax  2008/09 Barnsley MBC Services Element	Council Tax Increase 2009/10 £	Pensioner Discount £
A	761.82	19.05	20
B	888.79	22.22	23
C	1015.76	25.40	26
D	1142.73	28.57	29
E	1396.67	34.92	35
F	1650.61	41.27	42
G	1904.55	47.62	48
H	2285.46	57.14	58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The discount will not affect the charges raised in precepts by local parishes, the South Yorkshire Police and the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority. Increased charges collected on behalf of those bodies will continue to be payable.

How do I qualify?

You can claim a Council Tax discount for those aged 65 & Over you met all following criteria on 1 April 2009 and you:

• Are liable to pay Council Tax, either jointly or in your own right, on a property in Barnsley,
• Are a single occupier aged 65 or over, or joint occupiers both aged 65 or over,
• Are not in receipt of any Council Tax Benefit on the property.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to provide any proof of my date of birth?

No, you need only sign the declaration that you meet the criteria on 1 April 2009.

Although there is no need to provide proof of your date of birth some checks will carried out to ensure that false declarations have not been made.

Does it take into account what income and savings I have?

No, the Council does not need to know anything about your income and savings for this discount.

I am 65 after the 1 April 2009, can I apply from my birthday?

No,  you have to be aged 65 or over on 1 April 2009, however should the Council decide to continue the reduction for the next financial year, you will be able to apply then.

What if I own more than one property within Barnsley?

Only one reduction will apply per household, given to your main home. No reduction will be given on second or empty properties.

If I move house will my reduction continue?

Yes, if you are eligible for the reduction and you move house within the Barnsley area, the reduction will be transferred to your new address, provided you are still the Council Tax payer there.

If I already receive a discount can I still qualify?

Yes, if you already receive a discount and/or disabled relief ,and you meet the criteria, you will still get the reduction from the amount you have to pay.

Does it matter what Council Tax Band my property is in?

The reduction applies to all bands anthough different flat rate discounts will apply to each one.

Will I have to re-apply in future?

The Council will make a decision about whether or not to continue the reduction scheme at the end of the year and if so, how much the reduction will be. If the scheme does continue in future years, and you still qualify for the reduction, then you will continue to receive a reduction automatically.

What should I do if my circumstances change?

You must tell us immediately if your circumstances change so that we can determine whether you are still entitled to the discount. If you receive a form in future please complete and return it to us.
 

How do I apply?

Forms have been sent out to all potential recipients of this discount. You can also download a form my clicking on the attached link:

Claim form for the over 65 Council Tax Discount scheme

Simply fill in the claim form and return it to:

Benefits & Taxation Division, PO Box 63, Barnsley S70 2TJ or take it to your nearest Barnsley Connects Office. Office locations can be found at www.barnsley.gov.uk .

You must pay your Council Tax in accordance with your bill until a revised bill including your reduction is issued.

Further Information

If you require any further information or have any queries please contact the Council Tax Helpline on Barnsley (01226) 774774 or

e-mail bentax@barnsley.gov.uk

Can I get any other reduction in my Council Tax?

Council Tax Benefit

If you are on a low income you could be entitled to council tax benefit. You will need to provide proof of any income and savings you may have.

If you are not entitled to Council Tax Benefit but someone in your home is on a low income, you may be able to claim second adult rebate. To receive this, the Council Tax bill must be in your name and you must:

•  not have a partner
•  have someone living with you (e.g. a grown-up son or daughter or parent) who has income of less than £219.99 per week before deductions.

Housing Benefit

If you rent your home from the Council, a Housing Association or a private landlord you could also get help towards payment of your rent.

For more information and to know how to make an application for any of the above benefits simply contact the Housing Benefits helpline on 01226 774743 or e-mail bentax@barnsley.gov.uk  

Pension Credit

Pension credit is an entitlement for people aged 60 or Over living in Great Britain. This could mean extra money for you every week. Pension Credit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions and you can obtain more information on entitlement by contacting their free phone number on 0800 991234.
 

 

Last modified on 24/4/2009