Exemptions and Discounts
Exempt Properties
Some properties are exempt from the payment of Council Tax. Details are shown on the leaflet sent out with your Council Tax bill, copies are also obtainable from Swale House. Please Contact the Council's Officers at the address provided if you think your property might qualify for exemption.
As from 1 April 2006, owners of properties which are considered to be uninhabitable and have been empty and exempt for more than one year, will now become liable to a 90% Council Tax charge (10% reduction).
Full description of Council Tax Exemptions
Discounts
The full Council Tax bill assumes that there are two adults residing in a property. If only one adult lives in a property the Council Tax may be reduced by 25% on application. Please note that if a person is temporarily absent from address they are still counted as resident in the property. If a property is no-ones sole or main residence, the bill will be reduced by 10%. In addition if a property remains empty for longer than 6 months the bill will also be reduced by 10%. The following are not counted when considering the number of residents in a property: Students, apprentices, the severally mentally impaired, care workers and others. For further details contact one of the Council's officers at the address provided.
People with Disabilities
If you, or someone who lives with you, need an extra room (which could include an extra bathroom or kitchen) or extra space for a wheelchair, your bill may be reduced to that of a lower band property. As from 1 April 2000, this reduction now applies to band A properties, which will be reduced to 5/9ths of the equivalent band D charge. If you wish to apply , contact the Council at the address provided.
Applying for an Discount
Discounts for any of the circumstances listed above can be applied for through the Council Tax office at the address provided above, or through our online library where copies of our application forms are now available for download.
Council Tax Benefits
If you are in receipt of Income Support or Job seekers Allowance or are on a low income you may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit. If you already receive Council Tax Benefit and require more details please contact the Council's Benefit offices at the address provided.
