Council Tax Reductions have taken over from the Council Tax
benefit which were abolished in April 2013. These reductions are now run by each
local council so qualifying conditions and exemptions will be different in each
area and may not be the same as the previous benefit.
To be eligible you must either be on a low income or
claiming benefits. You can either own the property or rent it.
The support you may receive will depend on factors such as:
·
Where you live
·
Your circumstances (e.g. income and number of
children)
·
Your total household income
·
If your children live with you
·
If other adults live with you
A Discretionary Discount Scheme could be run by your local
council to help with individuals in severe financial hardship but there is
typically very limited funding in this area.
Individuals living alone will automatically receive a 25%
discount in council tax as the rates are calculated under the assumption that 2
adults live in the property. Various types of individuals don’t qualify as
adults, please follow the link to find out who may be able to receive this
deduction.
Properties which are lived in solely by students are exempt
from council tax.
Empty or unfurnished homes and properties that aren’t your
main residence may also qualify for a discount.
Reduction in
Council Tax for Disabled Persons
Reductions are available to individuals who are disabled or
live with a person with a disability who require extra room in the property to
meet their needs arising from a disability. This could also mean an extra
bathroom or kitchen, or just extra space.
These discounts are designed to ensure that disabled people don’t
pay more tax on account of space needed because of a disability.
Typically the discount will involve moving to the next
cheapest council tax band. I.E. an individual living in a Band C property with
a disability will have to pay at the Band B rate instead.
People who are severely mentally impaired and some live-in
carers are exempt when working out council tax.
Visit your local Council’s website for more information and
details on how to apply.
Hinckley &
Bosworth District Council
01455 255 623
No comments:
Post a Comment