Council Tax Discounts - People with Disabilities

Disabled Band Reduction Scheme

People who need a larger house because of their disabilities or the disabilities of a member of their family can apply to their Council for the Disabled Band Reduction scheme. If you qualify for this, you will be charged the Council Tax rate for the band below you. For example, if your home is in Band C you’ll pay the Band B rate. If you’re in Band A you’ll get a 17% discount. 

You will need to show that your disabilities or your family member’s disabilities mean you need an extra room in your house or extra space for moving a wheelchair around.

Your income and savings won’t affect whether you can get help through this scheme.

To apply for this scheme, you should contact your local authority.

Severely Mentally Impaired

People who are considered ‘severely mentally impaired’ are not counted as adults when working out Council Tax.

Severe mental impairment means a permanent condition which severely affects intellectual and social functioning. This can include conditions like Parkinson’s, dementia, and learning disabilities.

You will need a certificate from your doctor saying that you are severely mentally impaired. 

If you are considered severely mentally impaired and you live with one other person who is not mentally impaired, you will get a 25% discount on your Council Tax.

If you are considered severely mentally impaired and you live with two or more other people who are not mentally impaired, you will not get any discount on your Council Tax.

If everyone in the house is severely mentally impaired, you will get a 50% or more discount on your Council Tax.

Your income and savings won’t affect whether you can get this discount.

If you live in Wales, there is a national scheme. You can download the form from the Welsh Government website.

If you live in England or Scotland, you should contact your local authority to ask for the form.