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Working out whether you qualify for a discount

Whether your home counts for a discount depends on how many adults live there and if any of them come under our list of special circumstances.

Count the number of adults living in your home, but don't include people if any of the following applies to them:

• People caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner or child under the age of 18
• People who normally live in the property but are currently in prison (except those in prison for non-payment of Council Tax or a fine)
• People who are severely mentally impaired
• Full-time students (including Project 2000 nurses)
• Apprentices or Training Credits Programme trainees
• People who are under the age of 20 who have left school or college after 30 April (not counted until 1 November of that year)
• Members of religious communities (monks and nuns)
• People aged 18 for whom Child Benefit is still payable
• Student nurses
• People employed to provide care
• People staying in certain hostels and night shelters
• Members of visiting forces and certain international institutions
• Diplomats, persons who have diplomatic immunity and certain members of their household

The above groups are stated in broad terms. Within each of the groups a number of conditions may need to be met they qualify. For further information see the forms and guidance notes section.

How many people counted?

If you count two or more people, you are not entitled to a discount. If you counted one person, we may reduce your bill by a quarter. If you counted no one, you may get your bill reduced by a half.

How to Claim

You can apply for a discount by printing off the relevant form from forms and guidance notes, then complete and send it to the Council Offices.

If you disagree with the Council's decision about a discount, you can contact us explaining what you object to and why. See appeals

If your bill indicates that a discount has been allowed, you must inform the Council tax team of any change in circumstances that affects your entitlement. If you fail to do so, you may have to pay a penalty.