Disregarded Persons

Discounts

The basic Council Tax bill assumes that two adults reside in a dwelling. If there is one resident adult, 25% discount is given.

Certain groups of people may help the liable person to qualify for a discount. The people in these groups are said to be “disregarded for discount purposes” and are referred to as Disregarded Persons.

If a dwelling is wholly occupied by disregarded persons, a 50% discount is given.

If a dwelling is occupied by disregarded persons and one further adult who is not disregarded, a 25% discount is given.

If a dwelling is occupied by disregarded persons and at least two other adults who are not disregarded, no discount is given.

If you have been given a discount on your bill, we will periodically send you a form to confirm whether it still applies. If you do not return the form, your discount may be cancelled.

If your bill shows that a discount has been given, you must tell us of any changes that affect your entitlement, within 21 days of the change.

Full-time students and student nurses at colleges 

Please obtain a student certificate from your place of study for all students in the property. Send the certificate(s) to:

East Herts and Stevenage Borough Council
Wallfields
Pegs Lane
Hertford
SG13 8EQ

Patients being looked after in care homes

These are people living in residential care homes, nursing homes, mental nursing homes and hostels providing a high level of care.

Professional care workers

These are people working on low pay for, or introduced by, charities or local authorities.

Relative or unpaid Carer

These are people caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner or child under 18 in receipt of certain qualifying benefits.

People staying in certain hostels or night shelters

Please contact us for details of how to apply.

Members of visiting forces

This includes those that are members of International HQs and Defence Organisations.

Members of religious communities

This could include monks and nuns living in a monastery or a convent but also includes members of any religion living in a religious community.

People in detention

This could be a person who is detained in a prison, hospital or any other place under a court order but not those in prison for non-payment of Council Tax or a fine.

Patients resident in hospital

This is if your main or sole residence is in a hospital where you are receiving care or treatment.

People who are severely mentally impaired

If a person living at a property is classed as severely mentally impaired, and they live with other people, that person is disregarded from Council Tax.

Child Benefit in payment

These are 18 and 19 year olds who are at, or just left school and still in receipt of child benefit.

Apprentices

If you are learning a trade, business and/or undertaking a programme of training, you can apply to have your bill reduced.

Foreign Language Assistant

If you're a Foreign Language Assistant registered with the British Council, you can apply for a Council Tax discount.

Youth Training trainee

A Council Tax discount can be applied for if a person is carrying out training according to an individual training plan under the Employment and Training Act 1973 and are under 25 years of age. People on Employment Training Schemes are not classed as being youth training trainees.

Change in circumstances

If there are any changes to your circumstances that could affect your entitlement please complete the Council Tax Information Form and return it to us as soon as possible.