Thousands of people across the UK could potentially avoid paying council tax or receive a discount based on 5 medical conditions that could make them exempt.
"Severely mentally impaired" (SMI) Brits could be offered a discount if they have been diagnosed by a doctor.
A person's council tax discounts vary depending on whether they live with others, with some cases potentially meaning that you could be owed money in back payments.
The following conditions are classed asSMI:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Learning difficulties
- Parkinson's
- Dementia (including Alzheimer's)
- Long-lasting effects of a severe stroke
Although the above is a list of conditions that are classed as part of SMI, a person will need a doctor's diagnosis to be able to apply for the council tax discount.
Council tax funds services such as waste collection and road maintenance, with the amount payable dependent on the property's valuation band and council area.
When calculating council tax, certain individuals are exempt and not included in the count of property occupants. As per GOV.UK, "A full council tax bill is based on at least two adults living in a home."
Couples living together share responsibility for the bill, but some individuals are not considered when determining the number of property occupants.
"This means you might be able to apply for a discount on your council tax bill if you get one.", says the advice.
If you're recognised as severely mentally impaired, you could be eligible for a full 100 per cent discount on your council tax bill.
This applies when you qualify as severely mentally impaired and one of the following conditions is met:
- You live on your own
- Any other adults in your household either qualify as severely mentally impaired or are full-time students
There'll be a 50 per cent discount on the council tax bill if everyone else in your household is "disregarded". Other factors that disregard you from paying council tax include if you are:
- 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 years old and get funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency
- A student nurse
- A foreign language assistant registered with the British Council
- A live-in carer for someone who is not your partner, spouse, or child under 18
- A diplomat
