Renfrewshire Council

Who can get a discount or exemption

If you're providing care to someone you live with, you may be able to get a council tax discount or exemption.

You can apply for a discount or exemption if the person you care for:

• requires care for at least 35 hours a week
• is not your partner, spouse or a child under 18.

The person being cared for must also receive one of the following benefits or equivalent:

• attendance allowance at the higher rate
• disability living allowance (care component at the higher rate)
• an increase in the rate of disablement pension
• an increase in a constant attendance allowance.

What kind of discount or exemption you may get

You could receive a 25% council tax discount if you provide care for another adult you live with. This does not include partners, spouses, and children under the age of 18.

To get a discount, there must be 2 adults living in the property. If there are more than 2 residents, all but one must qualify for a discount.

A person being cared for in hospital or a care home for at least 3 months may also be entitled to a council tax discount or exemption.

You could receive a council tax exemption if you:

• live elsewhere to provide care for another adult and your property is unoccupied
• are cared for elsewhere and your property is unoccupied.

Before you apply

You must make sure you have:

• the letter confirming the start date of the person's qualifying benefit
• certification of the person's condition from a doctor or medical professional
• the person's council tax reference number
• a copy of your carers allowance letter.

If the person you care for is in hospital or a care home, you'll need to provide a letter confirming the date of their admission and expected date of discharge.

How to apply

If you provide care support for someone else, you can apply for a council tax discount by downloading and filling in the Care worker discount form. [38KB]

If your property is unoccupied as you provide care or are being cared for elsewhere, you can apply for a council tax exemption by downloading and filling in the Provides or receives care exemption form. [33KB]

Post the form along with the letter confirming the person's benefit start date, certification of their condition, and a copy of their carers allowance letter to:

Director of Finance and Resources
Council Tax Section
Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1AD.

What happens next

If your discount is confirmed, we'll send you a revised council tax notice.

You should continue to pay your council tax as normal until you have received a revised notice.

If your circumstances change

If you no longer qualify for a discount, you must tell us of your change in status.

We'll then update your council tax account and send you a new bill.

You may have to pay a fine if you do not tell us.

Get help with paying your council tax

If you think you could fall behind on your council tax payments, phone us on 0300 300 0300 and ask for advice. There may be support available to help you avoid missing your payments.