Households supporting a disabled family member could see their council tax bills drop by hundreds of pounds, even if they do not qualify for standard disability benefits. Instead, the property itself must meet specific structural requirements to secure this local government discount.
How the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme Works
Commonly known as the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme, this program allows eligible properties to drop down by one full tax band or receive a 17% deduction. Designed to ease financial pressures on disabled people who require larger properties, the initiative can save families substantial sums each year. For example, a Band E property in the City of London typically incurs an annual fee of £1,625.02. If the household meets the scheme's guidelines, the bill drops to the Band D rate of £1,329.56, a saving of nearly £300. Properties in the cheapest band, Band A, receive a standardised 17% reduction instead.
Eligibility Requirements
To access the scheme, your home must include a modified room, a secondary kitchen or bathroom, or extra space designed specifically for indoor wheelchair mobility. Examples include a spare room for storing medical equipment or conducting dialysis sessions. Additionally, the home must be the primary residence for at least one child or adult with a disability, even if that person is not the bill payer. You can check your eligibility and apply via the official Gov.uk platform.
Alternative Reductions for Carers
If your home lacks these structural modifications but you still care for a disabled person, other reductions may apply. A reduction for severely mentally impaired people can cut council tax by up to 100%. To eliminate the bill entirely, you must show that you are severely mentally impaired and live alone, with others who are also severely mentally impaired, or alongside full-time students. If every resident in your household is discounted for personal reasons, a 50% reduction applies. However, if you are severely mentally impaired and live with another able-bodied adult who is not disregarded, the maximum discount is 25%.
Who Is Disregarded for Council Tax?
- Under 18 years old
- On certain apprentice schemes
- 18 or 19 years old and in full-time education
- A full-time student at college or university
- Under 25 and receiving funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency
- A student nurse
- A foreign language assistant registered with the British Council
- Severely mentally impaired
- A live-in carer for someone who is not your partner, spouse, or child under 18
- A diplomat
