Council Tax Discounts

The full Council Tax assumes that there are two or more adults living in a property. If only one adult lives in a property (as their main home), the Council Tax bill will be reduced by a quarter (25%).

With effect from 1st April 2004 empty and unfurnished properties will be subject to a full Council Tax charge after the appropriate 6 or 12 month exemption period expires.  If the property concerned is a second home a 10% discount will continue to apply.

When looking at the number of adults living  in a property certain people will not be counted if they meet certain conditions:-

• full-time students, student nurses, apprentices and Youth Training trainees
• patients permanently 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 who have just left, school
• careworkers working for low pay (usually for charities)
• carers 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 fines or Council Tax)

If you feel that you should qualify for a discount, please contact the Council Tax Section on 01895 837500. Alternatively please e-mail on ctax@southbucks.gov.uk

Please note:- If you receive a discount on your Council Tax, you are required by law to advise the Council immediately of any change in circumstances which may affect your entitlement.