Council tax funds a range of public services
Some people get discounts on council tax(Image: Getty)
A whole range of people can get an exemption or discount on paying council tax in Bristol saving hundreds of pounds a year. People living alone, students, apprentices and carers are some of the groups who qualify for exemptions and discounts.
If you’re the only person aged over 18 in your home, you could get a quarter off your council tax bill. This is because the council tax system was set up with the assumption that at least two adults live in a home, and the bill covers both of their use of local public services.
If everyone in a property is a full-time student, you might not have to pay any council tax. But if only some people are full-time students then you’ll still have to pay but could get a discount. Apprentices earning less than £195 a week can also apply for an exemption on their bills.
Discounts are available to people who own homes that are having major repairs carried out and can’t be lived in.
This includes roof works that are needed on safety grounds, removing or rebuilding walls, subsidence, severe dry rot, and repairing or renewing foundations. This doesn’t include putting in a new kitchen or bathroom, fitting new windows, or general refurbishment.
People on low incomes can apply for a discount via the council tax reduction scheme. This includes both people in work and those out of work, although the exact stipulations are unclear. This scheme has come under threat repeatedly as the council tries to save money.
Discounts are also available to homes where changes have been made to help a child or adult with a permanent disability. The council tax would be charged at the rate below it, for example if the property is in Band C then the bill would be at a Band B rate. Changes include space in the home for the use of a wheelchair, or a room used by the disabled person to meet their needs.
People who are severely mentally impaired can get a council tax discount, as well as anybody living with them. This includes people suffering from dementia. Your doctor would need to sign and certify the application, or grant permission for the council’s tax department to contact them.
Young people leaving care can also get discounts on their council tax. This covers people from the age of 18 up to their 25th birthday.
Carers looking after someone else and living with them are also exempt from council tax. Other categories who are exempt include people detained in a prison or hospital, members of religious communities such as monks and nuns, and diplomats.
Empty homes can sometimes be exempt too. Reasons include probate, if the owner is bankrupt, a property that has been repossessed, and if the occupant has moved into a care home. Applications for both discounts and exemptions can be made on the council’s website, although applicants will need varying documents to prove they’re eligible.