Disabled Reduction

A disabled band reduction may apply if anyone in your household is disabled (an adult or a child) and the property has been adapted in order to meet the disabled person's needs. This property must be the disabled person's main home to qualify for the reduction.

If your property qualifies for a disabled band reduction, your council tax bill will be reduced to one band below its official banding. If your property falls into band A you may be entitled to a reduction of 1/9th of a Band D property.

A reduction may not necessarily apply just because the disabled person is registered as disabled. The criteria relates to the physical nature of the property.

A reduction can be granted provided one of the following conditions apply and that it is essential or of major importance for the well-being of the disabled person who is resident in the household:

• a room, other than a bathroom, kitchen or lavatory, is used mainly by the disabled person and is required for meeting their needs
• an additional bathroom or kitchen is required to meet the needs of the disabled person
• there is enough space for the use of a wheelchair where one needs to be used inside the property

You do not have to have made any adaptations yourself to the property. Providing one of the above conditions applies, you may be entitled to a reduction.

The disabled reduction can only be backdated to the beginning of the financial year. Therefore a new application form is required each year.

You are obliged to notify us in writing within 21 days if there is no longer an entitlement to the reduction either because the qualifying individual has vacated or there is a change in circumstances. 

It may be necessary for a Council tax inspector to visit the property, to confirm the adaptations that have  been made to your property, if so, the Inspector will contact you in order to make an appointment. Please note all staff carry and provide identification.

Page last reviewed 12 Feb 2008