Council Tax Discounts, Exemptions & Reductions

Exemptions for vacant properties

• unfurnished (exempt for up to six months) unless occupied less than 6 weeks since last empty.
• owned by a charity (exempt for up to six months)
• require or are undergoing structural alteration or major repair (exempt for up to six months after completion of the works and restricted to a total exemption period of no more than 12 months from the date the property became empty)
• left empty by someone who has gone into prison, or who is a perminent resident in a hospital, residential or nursing home provided they were the last occupier
• left empty by someone who has moved in order to provide personal care to another person.
• left empty by students
• waiting for probate or letters of administration to be granted (and for up to six months after)
• have been repossessed
• are the responsibility of a bankrupt’s trustee
• empty because their occupation is forbidden by law
• waiting to be occupied by a minister of religion
• unoccupied annexe

Exemptions for occupied properties

• occupied only by people under 18 years old.
• occupied only by people who are severely mentally impaired.
• occupied only by students.
• occupied only by people with diplomatic immunity.
• an occupied annex to an inhabited dwelling where the occupant/s of the annex is/are either an elderly or disabled relative of the occupant of the main dwelling.

exemptions may be terminated in a number of circumstances eg if the dwelling becomes occupied by another person; on disposal of the property; and by the letting of the property.

If you think you may be entitled to an exemption you should telephone the Contact Centre on 0161 770 6622, enquire at the One Stop Shop, Civic Centre,West Street, Oldham or write to Exchequer Division, Unity Partnership, PO Box 4, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham OL1 1UH.

Discounts

The full Council Tax bill assumes that there are two adults living in a dwelling. If only one adult lives in a dwelling (as their main home) the Council Tax bill will be reduced by 25 per cent. If a dwelling is a furnished second home (i.e. the owners / occupiers have their main residence elsewhere) the Council Tax bill will be reduced by 10 per cent. If the second home is under a contract of employment, a discount of 50 per cent will apply. Please note, from 1st April 2008 properties which have been empty for more than six months will no longer recieve a reduction i.e. the charge will be 100%, unless the relevant exemption applies (please see above for information on exemptions).

People in the following groups do not count towards the number of adults resident in a dwelling:

• full-time students, student nurses, apprentices and Youth Training Scheme trainees.
• patients resident in hospital.
• people who are being looked after in care homes.
• people who are severely mentally impaired.
• people staying in certain hostels or night shelters.
• 18 and 19 year olds who are at or have just left school.
• care workers working for low pay, usually for charities.
• people resident with and caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner or child under 18.
• members of visiting forces and certain international institutions.
• members of religious communities (monks and nuns).
• people in prison (except those in prison for non-payment of Council Tax or a fine).
• people under 18 years old.
• certain non-British spouses of students.people with diplomatic immunity.

If you think you may be entitled to a discount you should telephone the Contact Centre on 0161 770 6622, enquire at the One Stop Shop, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham or write to Exchequer Division, Unity partnership, PO Box 4, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham OL1 1UH.

If your bill indicates that a discount has been allowed, you must tell the Council of any change of circumstance which affects your entitlement within 21 days. If you fail to do so you may be required to pay a penalty.

E-billing

You can now receive your Council Tax bill electronically. If you wish to take advantage of this facility please send us your e-mail address, and remember to quote your Council Tax reference number. E-mail: council.tax@oldham.gov.uk.

People with disabilities

If you or someone who lives with you needs a room, or an extra bathroom or kitchen, or extra space in your property to meet special needs arising from a disability, you may be entitled to a reduced Council Tax bill. The bill may be reduced to that of a property in the band immediately below the band shown on the valuation list. If you are in band A and your circumstances are as those described above your Council Tax could be reduced by a sixth.

Benefit

Council Tax Benefit ensures that people in receipt of Income Support will normally pay no Council Tax on the property they reside in, and that other people on low incomes will have their bills reduced. Second Adult Rebate is help towards your Council Tax bill because another adult (but not your partner) who is on a low income lives in your home.

If you think you may be entitled to Council Tax benefit or second adult rebate you should pick up an application form at the Civic Centre, One Stop Shops or Housing Offices and return it completed as soon as possible. For more information contact Benefits Line on 0161 770 6633 or to request a form telephone 0161 770 3915 (24 hour service) or you can email benefits@oldham.gov.uk. If you want to make an appointment to have a claim processed at the Civic Centre whilst you wait please telephone 0161 770 6633.

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Oldham Council, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UT.
Telephone 0161 770 3000