Council Tax - Reduction for Disabilities

Description

If your home has been adapted for the needs of someone with a disability who is living in the home, the Council may be able to grant a discount to reduce the Council Tax band on which the property is being charged, by one band, which will reduce the amount of Council Tax payable.

Thes adaptions must be considered to be essential or of major importance to the well being of the disabled person because of the nature and extent of their disability.

Where relief is granted the banding on which the Council Tax bill is calculated will be reduced by one band to the band which is immediately below that shown in the Valuation List. For example if the property is shown in the Valuation List in Band C, the property will be charged as though it was a Band B property.

Properties in the lowest Council Tax Band, Band A may also qualify for a reduction and will be charged at a reduced Band A charge.

This relief does not affect the value of a property or it's true banding in the Valuation List.

Eligibility

Who is entitled?

A disabled person must be substantially and permanently disabled.

In order for a disability reduction to be granted, the property must contain certain facilities that are considered as essential or of major importance to the well being of the disabled person because of the nature and extent of their disability.

The property must contain one of the following: -

• A room other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet (and not a garage) which is predominantly used by the disabled person.

Examples are a room used specifically for storing specialised equipment (such as a dialysis unit or a wheelchair) or a downstairs room (such as a dining room), which has been converted into a bedroom.

Or

• An additional bathroom or kitchen which is provided for the disabled person. A second toilet with or without a washbasin is not classed as a bathroom.

Or

• Extra space created in the house to allow for a wheelchair to be used inside. The disabled person must require the use of a wheelchair inside.

Examples include doorframes being made wider, walls removed for the wheelchair.

In order to establish eligibility the Council must be satisfied that without the feature, the disabled person would find it difficult to live in the dwelling and their health would suffer.

Procedure

How to claim Disabled Persons Relief

You must apply for relief by completing a Disabled Persons Property Relief Form and returning it to the Benefits & Taxation Division.

Following receipt of an application, the Council will contact you to arrange a visit to the property by a member of staff in order to discuss the application and determine eligibility. A visit will be arranged as soon as possible.

Following the visit a decision will be made, and if all the criteria are met, a band reduction will be allowed.
An applicant can appeal against refusal of a reduction. The applicant should contact the Benefits & Taxation Division in writing explaining their reasons for objecting to the decision.

Help

More Information

For other information including:-

our contact details for enquiries and application forms

viewing your account details online

methods of payment

see Council Tax Enquiries

 

How you can help

Applications require a visit by a Council Officer and it would be helpful if applicants could provide a contact telephone number on their application so that an appointment can be arranged. A visit will be made as soon as possible.

It would help if a note from a qualified professional such as an occupational therapist or social worker could be provided with the application. This should confirm the disability and indicate whether the additional space or room is essential to the well being of the disabled person.

Applicants unable to provide this information immediately should not delay making an application. Supporting evidence can be provided later if necessary.

Applicants are not required to apply for relief each year, however, the Council will periodically request confirmation that the circumstances on which the claim is made remain the same.

Applicants must inform the Council as soon as possible if there are any changes to the information provided. This may affect the Council Tax charge and applicants will have to repay any discount that they are not entitled to.

 

Other useful websites

• Department for Communities and Local Government

• Welfare Rights

• Citizens Advice Bureau