Council Tax band reductions

Reductions for disability

Your Council Tax bill may be reduced if an adult or child with a permanent disability lives with you. Your home must have certain features essential to or of major importance to the well being of the person with the disability. These features are:

  • A room other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet which is used mainly by the disabled person;
  • An additional bathroom or kitchen for the use of the disabled person; or
  • Extra space inside the home for the use of a wheelchair.

When we consider if a reduction should apply we have to decide whether, if the extra feature was not available in the home, the person with the disability would find:

  • It impossible or extremely difficult to live in the home;
  • Their health suffering; or
  • Their disability becoming more severe.

To qualify for a reduction, the extra room doesn't have to be specially built, but can be an existing room used specifically for the person with the disability.

How much will my Council Tax be reduced by?

If your home is eligible, your bill will be reduced by the equivalent of one band. For example, if your home is in band D, your bill will be reduced to that for a band C dwelling.

This will not affect the value of your home or its banding on the valuation list. In this example, it would still be shown as band D on the valuation list. If your home is in band A (the lowest Council Tax band) a reduction of 1/9 of the band D Council Tax would apply.

How to claim a disabled reduction