Discounts and Exemptions

Discounts, reductions and exemptions are granted if certain conditions are met, they are not based on income.

Discounts & Exemptions

You may be able to claim one of these if you:

  • Live on your own and are aged 18 or over (Single Occupier Discount)

  • Live with people not counted for Council Tax

  • Have certain adaptations in your home for a person with a disability

  • Have an unoccupied property

  • Have full-time students living in the property

  • Live as your sole or main residence in an annexe where you are related to the person paying Council Tax for the main dwelling

  • Have an occupied annexe as part of your main residence

View more detailed information on discounts, reductions and exemptions. (.pdf) (39.7KB) (Opens in a New Window)

If you want to let us know you no longer qualify please contact our Customers Services Team on the telephone number shown below.


Exemptions

List of Council Tax Exemptions
Exemption Details

Unoccupied and Unfurnished Properties that can be lived in

Unoccupied and unfurnished properties can get a 25% discount for up to six months. For backdated applications, you'll need to give us evidence to show that the property was both unoccupied and unfurnished for that time.

Uninhabitable Properties that can't be lived in

If your property can't be lived in because of major works or structural alterations, you might be able to get a council tax discount for a maximum of 12 months.

To apply for a discount on a property getting major repairs and structural alterations please contact Customer Services on the telephone number  shown below to arrange an inspection of the property.

Empty Homes Charge

Properties that have been empty for two to five years have a council tax premium charge of 100% and properties that have been empty for five years or more have a council tax premium charge of 200%.

If you feel you are entitled to an exemption, please complete an application form. (.pdf) (129KB) (Opens in a New Window)

Tell us about a change

If your property is no longer empty or is now ready to be lived in after major works, you need to contact the Council using the telephone number shown below.


Contact
Customer Services
tel: 0115 917 7777