If someone in your household is permanently disabled, you may be eligible for a reduction in your Council Tax. This is known as the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme and it could lower your Council Tax bill by one band.

To qualify for the reduction, your home must have been adapted in one of the following ways to meet the needs of the disabled person:

• they use a wheelchair indoors
• there is an extra bathroom (with a toilet, washbasin, and bath or shower) or a second kitchen specifically for their use
• a room in the home is used for a special medical purpose, such as dialysis or another essential treatment

Standard home features like stair lifts, handrails, or ramps do not qualify on their own. The reduction applies to the property, not the person, meaning it remains as long as the disabled person continues to live there

If your home qualifies, your Council Tax bill will be charged at the rate of the band below your current band. For example:

• if your property is in Band C, you’ll pay Band B rates
• if your property is already in Band A (the lowest band), you will receive a discount on your bill instead

Once we receive your application, a Council Tax Officer will arrange a visit to assess your home and confirm if you qualify.