Some homes may qualify for a Council Tax reduction under the disability reduction scheme if they're the main home of children or adults with substantial and permanent disabilities. In order to qualify, the home must have at least one of the following features:
- An additional bathroom or kitchen in the property which is needed by the disabled person.
- A room (other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet) needed by and mainly used by the disabled person.
- Enough space in the property for the disabled person to use a wheelchair indoors.
The extra room does not have to have been specially built, and it can be an existing room, but it must be of major importance to the wellbeing of the person with the disability and extra or additional to what a person would ordinarily need.
Qualifying for a reduction
If you qualify for the disability reduction scheme, your Council Tax bill will be reduced by one band. For example, if your home has been valued as being in band C, then under the scheme you will pay the same as someone in band B. If your home is in band A, the lowest band, then you will get the same cash reduction as someone in band B, C or D.
If you think you're eligible for a disability reduction, write to your council to request an application form. You may be asked to provide other information in support of your claim, such as a letter from your doctor, occupational therapist or social worker, confirming that the features in your home are required because of the person’s disability.
Example
Tom has changed his downstairs living room into a bedroom for his disabled mother, who uses a wheelchair. His home is valued in band D with a Council Tax of £700 a year. After writing to the council with a supporting letter from his mother’s doctor, he received a disability reduction and now only pays £500, the same as a home in band C.
The official online source of government information on Council Tax is Directgov.
