Reductions for people with disabilities

If you, or someone who lives with you, need one of the following in your property because of a permanent disability you may be entitled to a reduced Council Tax bill.

• A room (other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet) which is required for meeting the needs of the disabled person(s).
• An additional bathroom or kitchen which is required for meeting the needs of the disabled person(s).
• To use a wheelchair within the property. (The property must be capable of the wheelchair being used within the property, i.e. there must be sufficient available floorspace for the wheelchair to be properly used within the residence).

A reduced bill will be calculated as if your property had been placed in a band immediately below the one shown in the valuation list. From 1 April 2000, persons in a band A property may also be entitled to a reduced Council Tax bill – the reduction will be calculated as 1/9th of the band D Council Tax.

If a reduction for disability has been awarded, this is shown on your bill. If you consider you are entitled to a reduction and it is not shown on your bill, please contact the Council.

Please contact the Council to request a claim application form. The form should be completed in full and returned to the Council. It will be necessary for the Council to carry out an inspection of the property, to ensure that  it fulfils the necessary criteria for this relief. Following approval, a revised bill of account will be issued.

If your property has any special features which have been added for a disabled resident which reduce the value of the property and you do not think they have been taken into account in the valuation band, you should appeal to the Valuation Office Agency.