How to reduce your Council Tax bill

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There are a number of reductions available which could help you to reduce your Council Tax bill.

Discounts

• If only one person over 18 lives in a property, there will be a 25% discount. There may still be a 25% discount if other people live there who aren't counted for Council Tax purposes. If the property is unoccupied, you may be able to claim a 50% discount. From 1 April 2006, the discount no longer applies on your water and sewerage charges even if you get a discount on Council Tax.

Discount online form

Exempt properties

• Some homes are completely exempt from the tax, either because no one living there is liable or because the property is empty.
• You can apply on-line for exemption for the following categories. Unoccupied and unfurnished properties, student properties, properties solely occupied by under 18's, severely mentally impaired exemption and properties where a resident(s) gives or receives personal care. For more information about Council Tax exemptions please contact the Council Tan enquiry line on 0141 842 4422, lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

Application for exemptions online form

• You can also apply online for Council Tax exemption if your property has been repossessed by your mortgage lender. This form can also be used if you are a mortgage lender and have taken over a property due to repossession.

Council Tax exemption application - repossession.

Help for disabled people

• If your home has been adapted for a disabled person who lives there, it may qualify to be moved down to the next property band - reducing your bill.

Disabled person's reduction online form

Council Tax benefit

• If you are on Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment Support Allowance or have a low income, you may qualify for Council Tax benefit. Use the Council Tax benefit calculator to check if you qualify. Every effort has been taken to ensure the calculator's accuracy. However, council tax and housing benefit rules are complicated and the calculator should only be taken as an estimate based on the information you supply. For a full evaluation, you should make a claim using the contact details shown below.

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If you don't qualify, but someone else in the household is on a low income, you may be entitled to a second adult rebate.

If you would like some general information about Council Tax benefit please contact the office on 0141 840 3060
(lines open Monday to Thursay 8.45am to 4.45pm, and 8.45am to 3.55pm on a Friday), or email them direct at benefits.finit@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Council Tax benefit calculator

Please allow some time to complete this assessment, although you can save your progress and return to your assessment at a later date