Council tax discounts

Queries

If you have a query on any of these discounts and require further information, please contact the Local Taxation Office (see Council Tax Contacts).

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Single adult discount

The full Council tax bill assumes there are 2 adults living in a property. You can cut your bill by 25% if you are the only person aged 18 or over living in your main home.

We may need to decide where your main home is; for example, if you have more than one property.

A printable single adult discount application form is available under Council tax forms.

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Second homes or additional furnished properties

If your property becomes unoccupied but is still furnished, the property may be eligible to a 10% discount on the full Council tax charge. This applies to second homes and second properties.

Please note that a property let furnished by a landlord is classed a "second home" and will be eligible for a 10% discount when it is unoccupied.

People living in accommodation provided as part of their job may still be entitled to a 50% discount on their second homes. To check if you qualify call the Council tax helpline on 0117 9250981.

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Empty property discount

If nobody lives in a property and it is empty of furniture, then the bill is cut by half. A full exemption may apply for up to 6 months. See Exemptions for details.The person responsible for the property (usually the owner) has to pay the bill. See Council Tax Liability for details.

See on-line Empty Property Discount form.

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Personal discounts

Your bill can be reduced by amounts between 25% and 100% if:

• there are 2 adults living in your home and one of you qualifies under any of these discount categories (25% reduction)
• there are more than 2 adults living in your home and all but one of you qualifies under any of these discount categories (25% reduction)
• all the adults living in your home qualifiy under any of these discount categories (50% reduction);
• you live in certain types of households. For example, properties occupied only by full time students, people under 18 or the severely mentally impaired are completely exempt from paying Council Tax (100% reduction). This also applies to properties occupied by armed forces, visiting forces or diplomats.

If you have an annexe, or similar self-contained part of your property, that is occupied by an elderly or disabled relative, then it is exempt from Council Tax.

If you run a hospital, care home, nursing home or hostel, and most residents stay long-term, you may be able to get a discount.

If you receive a discount or exemption, you must contact the Local Taxation Office if your circumstances change. You may have to pay a penalty if you don't (see Penalties).

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