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Council Tax Disabled Relief

If a council taxpayer or someone living in the household (this includes those aged under 18) is physically disabled and the home has certain features necessary for the well being of the disabled person then they may be entitled to a reduction. 
 
The disabled person must be substantially and permanently disabled whether by illness, injury, congenital deformity or otherwise.
 
For the reduction to be awarded there must be at least one of the following within the property: -
a)       a room which is predominantly used by and required (for therapy or otherwise) for meeting the needs of the disabled person
b)       an additional kitchen or bathroom for the disabled person 
c)       sufficient space for a wheelchair to be used inside the home
 
It is only necessary for one of the above circumstances to apply.
 
If the reduction is awarded then the council tax is charged on one band below that shown in the Valuation List.  Since 1st April 2000 disabled relief has been available to Band A properties.  The charge is reduced from six ninths of the Band D charge to five ninths.  This is equivalent to the difference between Band B and Band A. 
   
The liable person must make application and the disabled person must live in the property for which the application is made.
 
The application for a disabled reduction must be applied for each financial year. To do this the council carries out an annual review by writing to all applicants.
 
Print off an Application Form (pdf)
 
For further advice please contact the Council Tax office.
 
If you are receiving disabled relief you must tell us of any change in circumstances. 
If you do not do this within 21 days of the change you may be required to pay a penalty of £50.
 
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