This article is taken from a Mencap booklet (dated 5/97), and other sources, and should not be considered a complete guide to the law.
First Published in Middlesbrough Mencap's Newsletter May 1998
Carer's Council Tax Discount
By John Chilvers
Did you know that if you look after someone for 35 hours a week you could get 25% off your Council Tax?
The full Council Tax bill assumes that there are two adults living in a dwelling. If there are more adults there is nothing extra to pay. If only one adult is counted, only ¾ of the tax is paid; if no-one is counted, only ½ the tax is paid.
Certain people are not counted for Council Tax purposes. These include:
- Full time students, student nurses
- Youth training trainees
- Patients resident in hospital
- People who are severely mentally impaired
- Certain carers.
In order to get Carers Discount, all five conditions must be met:
The person being cared for must be
- Receiving the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance Care Component (or higher rate Attendance Allowance
- looked after for a minimum of 35 hours per week by one carer
- over 18
- Not the carer's spouse or partner
- Living in the same household as the carer
Notes
- More than one person can claim Carer's Discount for looking after the same person, if each provides a different 35 hours of care. Since there are 168 hours in a week, theoretically four people could claim.
- Reducing the number of people counted from three to two does not result in any discount.
- Carers who receive the Invalid Care Allowance have already proved that they care for a person for over 35 hours per week.
- Claims can be backdated to when you became entitled, or April 1993, if later. Remember to backdate your claim!
To claim your discount contact your local Council Tax Department.
If they haven't heard of the discount (they should have by now!) quote Statutory Instrument 552/92 "Council Tax (additional provisions for Discount Regard) regulations 1992"
If your council refuses your claim you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal (in Scotland Valuation Appeal Committee). Details can be obtained from the council.
If you think you are entitled to the discount and you need to discuss it further please phone
the Learning Disability Helpline 0808 808 1111 or the Mencap Information Line on 0171 696 5503/5593 (London Office)
or in Scotland ENABLE Information Service on 0141 226 4541.
