Council Tax discounts

If you have a query on any of these discounts and require further information, please contact us.  Further information about different circumstances that may affect you can be found in the Related Documents section of this page.

If you already receive a discount or exemption, you must contact us if your circumstances change. You may have to pay a penalty if you don't.

Single occupancy discount

Find out more about this discount from our Single Occupancy Discount factsheet (pdf, 75 KB) (opens new window).

The full Council tax bill assumes there are two 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.

You can apply for the Single Occupancy Discount online.

Use our online Council Tax General Enquiry form to let us know if your circumstances change and you no longer qualify for the single occupancy discount.

Second homes or additional furnished properties

See Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions - Important Changes in April 2013 (pdf, 22 KB) (opens new window).

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 contract may still be entitled to a 50% discount on their second homes. To check if you qualify call the Council tax helpline on 0117 922 2900.

Empty property discount

See Council Tax Discounts & Exemptions - Important Changes in April 2013 (pdf, 22 KB) (opens new window).

If nobody lives in a property and it is empty of furniture, then the bill is cut by half. 

You can apply for the Empty Property Discount online.

A full exemption may apply for up to 6 months in some circumstances, you can find out more on our Exemptions page. 

The person responsible for the property (usually the owner) has to pay the bill.  You can find out more about Council Tax liability on our Who pays Council Tax page.

Other discounts

Your bill can also be reduced if 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).
• 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.

Please see our Exemptions page for more information.