You may not realise you could qualify for a complete discount on your bill
Some Brits may qualify for a complete 100 per cent exemption from their council tax bill if they meet certain conditions. Government guidance states that while some residents are exempt from the full amount, others may qualify for a partial discount.
Council tax is an annual levy imposed by your local authority. The sum is determined by your council and helps fund the delivery of local services.
The council tax you’re charged depends on both where you live and your property’s valuation. As a rule, if you’re aged 18 or over, you’re required to pay council tax.
The full council tax amount is based on a minimum of two adults residing in a property. Couples living together share joint responsibility for paying the bill.
That said, not everyone must pay council tax. For instance, certain households may qualify for a council tax reduction, which could result in a discount of up to 100 per cent.
Additionally, some may receive a 100 per cent reduction if they are classified as severely mentally impaired and satisfy other requirements. Moreover, properties where all residents are full-time students are completely exempt from payment.
Here’s what you need to know.
Students
GOV.UK clarifies that households where everyone is a full-time student are exempt from paying council tax. If you receive a bill, you can apply for an exemption.
To be considered a full-time student, your course must:
- Last at least one year
- Involve at least 21 hours of study per week
If you’re studying for a qualification up to A-level and you’re under 20, your course must last at least three months and involve a minimum of 12 hours study per week. However, it’s crucial to note that if there’s someone in your household who’s not a full-time student, you’ll receive a council tax bill, but your household might still be eligible for a discount.
Severe mental impairment
You may be able to apply for a discount on your council tax bill if you or someone you live with is severely mentally impaired. You’ll need to:
- Obtain a certificate confirming severe mental impairment from a medical professional, such as your GP
- Demonstrate your eligibility for certain benefits – check with your local council
If you qualify as severely mentally impaired, you’ll receive a 100 per cent discount if one of the following applies:
- You live alone
- Any other adults in your household either qualify as severely mentally impaired or are full-time students
There’ll be a 50 per cent discount on the council tax bill if everyone else in your household is “disregarded”.
Council tax reduction
If you’re on a low income, you can apply to your local council for council tax reduction (sometimes referred to as council tax support).
GOV.UK states: “You could be eligible if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Your bill could be reduced by up to 100 per cent. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working.”
Your eligibility for council tax discounts or exemptions depends on several factors, including your location as each council runs its own scheme. Other considerations include your personal circumstances such as income, number of children, benefits, and residency status.
Your household income, which includes savings, pensions and your partner’s income, is also taken into account, as well as whether your children live with you and if other adults reside in your home. To check your eligibility, visit the Government website here.
Being “disregarded” for council tax
Certain people, like students, are considered “disregarded” for council tax purposes. Other people who fall under this category include those who are:
- Under 18 years old
- On certain apprentice schemes
- Under 25 years old and receive funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency
- A student nurse
- A foreign language assistant registered with the British Council
- A live-in carer for someone who is not your partner, spouse, or child under 18
- A diplomat
Even if you’re disregarded, you still need to apply for a council tax discount or exemption. For more information, visit the Government website here.
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