THERE are some little-known ways you can get money off your council tax, or have it slashed completely. You can take four avenues to land a reduction on the household bill, which could come in handy as the cost of living remains so high.
Council tax exemptions
Certain properties are exempt from paying council tax because of the circumstances of the people living or owning them.
For example, if the home is empty because you are now permanently living in a care home or hospital, you won't have to pay the bill.
Meanwhile, if the property is occupied solely by students or the home is empty because you are a student, you are exempt.
Plus, if everyone in your home is classed as having a "severe mental impairment" you don't have to pay.
The law says a person is severely mentally impaired if they have a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning which is permanent.
This might be the case if you have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzeimers, for example.
If you are providing care for another person and therefore not living in the home, you don't have to pay council tax either.
You will need to apply for any exemption through your local council.
You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government's council locator tool.
Council tax discount scheme
You can get a 25% discount on your council tax if you are the only person living in the home or if all others living there are classed as "disregarded".
Someone is classed as disregarded if they are severely mentally impaired, a carer, in hospital, a care home or hostel, has another main residence or is a student, youth trainee or apprentice.
You should be able to find more detailed lists on who is classed as disregarded on your local council's website.
You can also get a 50% discount on your council tax if you and everyone else in the home is classed as disregarded.
Council tax disability reduction scheme
You can get your bill slashed if you or someone in your home is classed as "substantially and permanently disabled" and one of the following applies:
- There's a room in the property which is used to meet your needs (such as for the purposes of dialysis or the storage of health equipment)
- There's a second bathroom or kitchen designed to meet your needs
- There's enough space in your home to allow wheelchair access
If the above criteria are met, your council tax bill is reduced to the next lowest band. If you are already in band A, your bill is reduced by a sixth.
Again, you have to contact your local council about a reduction in these circumstances.
Council tax reductions
In England and Wales, councils offer residents council tax reductions based on their own criteria, but you might be able to get a 100% discount depending on your circumstances.
In most cases, you'll be offered a reduction if you're on benefits such as Universal Credit or a low income.
Households in Scotland can get a reduction if they are on a lower income. You can find out more on the Scottish Government's website.
