Discounts on council tax
This page helps you find out about discounts on council tax.
The full council tax bill assumes that there are two adults living in a dwelling.
If only one adult lives in a dwelling (as their main home), the council tax bill will be reduced by a quarter (25%).
Furnished Properties which are no-one's home
This includes second homes, holiday homes and properties left empty between tenancies.
From April 2005 the council has decided that properties which fit into this category will receive a 10% discount.
There are exceptions to this category which include mobile home pitches, boat moorings and some types of employment related accommodation.
The exceptions will continue to receive a 50% discount.
Unfurnished and unoccupied properties
The Council has decided that properties which fit into this category will not receive a discount.
The properties this affects are most likely to have been subject to an exemption prior to the full charge being made (see Dwellings exempt from council tax charges).
People in the following groups, who meet certain conditions, will not count towards the number of adults resident in a dwelling:
- full time students, student nurses, apprentices and Youth Training trainees
- patients resident in hospital
- people who are being looked after in care homes
- people who are severely mentally impaired
- people staying in certain hostels or night shelters
- 18 and 19 year olds who are at or have just left school
- careworkers working for low pay, usually for charities
- people caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner, or child under 18
- members of visiting forces and certain international institutions
- members of religious communities (monks and nuns)
- people in prison (except those in prison for non-payment of council tax or a fine).
If your bill indicates that a discount has been allowed, you must tell your billing authority within 21 days of any change of circumstances which affects your entitlement.
If you fail to do so you may be required to pay a penalty of £70.00.
If you still fail to supply information, a further penalty of up to £280.00 may be imposed.
Contact
If you have a query about council tax or think you may be entitled to a discount please:
- telephone 01737 276779
- email: council.tax@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.
Last updated : 28/09/2010
