You may need to provide evidence of your situation to get the full council tax discount
Britons could be in line for a complete 100 per cent discount on their council tax bill. In line with Government rules, certain residents are completely exempt, while others can get a partial discount, reports YorkshireLive. Council tax is an annual fee paid to your local council.
This amount is set by your council and contributes towards the funding of local services. The size of your council tax bill depends on both your location and the value of your property.
Generally, if you are aged 18 or over, you ae obliged to pay council tax. The full council tax rate for a property is calculated based on at least two adults living in a home.
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Couples who live together are jointly accountable for paying the bill. However, not everyone is obliged to chip in towards council tax.
For instance, some households may be eligible for a council tax reduction, potentially leading to a discount of up to 100 percent. Others might also receive a 100 percent reduction if they are categorised as severely mentally impaired and they fulfil other criteria. Households where every occupant is a full-time student are exempt from payment.
Students
Gov.uk guidance clarifies that households where all members are full-time students don’t have to pay council tax. If you receive a bill, you can apply for an exemption.
To qualify as a full-time student, your course must:.
- Last for at least one year
- Involve a minimum of 21 hours of study each week.
People under the age of 20 who are pursuing qualifications up to A-level standard can have their council tax reduced if they enrol in courses that last at least three months, with a minimum of 12 hours of weekly study.
However, it’s essential to remember that households with a member who is not a full-time student will still receive a council tax bill, although the household may be eligible for a reduced rate.
People with severe mental impairment
If you or a member of your household suffers from severe mental impairment, you may be eligible for a council tax discount. To qualify, you’ll need a certificate from a medical professional, such as your GP, confirming the severe mental impairment, as well as proof of eligibility for specific benefits – check with your local authority for more information.
Those who meet the criteria for severe mental impairment are entitled to a 100 percent discount if they live alone or with other adults who are either severely mentally impaired or full-time students. A 50 percent reduction is applicable when all other household members are classed as ‘disregarded’.
Low-income households
Households with low incomes can apply for a council tax reduction (also known as council tax support) from their local authority. According to the Government website: “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.” Eligibility for council tax reductions or exemptions depends on a range of factors, including your location, as each local authority operates its own scheme.
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Other elements taken into account include personal circumstances such as your income, number of dependents, any benefits you receive, and your residential status. Your household income which is considered can include savings, pensions and your partner’s earnings.
Another potential factor is whether your children live with you and if other adults live at the property. To verify your eligibility, visit the Government website.
Being ‘disregarded’for council tax
Certain people, like students, are deemed ‘disregarded’ for council tax purposes. Others who fall under this umbrella include those who are:
- Under 18 years old
- Enrolled in specific apprentice schemes
- Under 25 years old and receiving 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 isn’t your partner, spouse, or child under 18
- A diplomat.
If you are classed as disregarded, you still need to apply for a council tax discount or exemption.
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