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A full Council Tax bill assumes that there are at least two people aged 18 or over resident in the household. Where only one adult lives in a property, the Council Tax bill is reduced by 25%. This is known as single person discount.

For a property which is no-one's main home, a 50% discount will apply. This can apply to empty and unoccupied dwellings and second homes. The following people are not counted when working out how many people are living in the property:

• Full time students, student nurses, apprentices and Youth Training trainees.
• Patients resident in hospital.
• People who are being looked after in care homes.
• People who are mentally impaired.
• People staying in certain hostels and night shelters.
• 18 and 19 year olds who are at or who have just left school after completing a qualifying course of education.
• Care workers working for low pay, usually for charities.
• People 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).
• Spouses of students who are not of British citizenship and who are prevented by the terms of their stay in the United Kingdom from taking paid employment or from claiming benefit.
• Diplomats and their non British spouse.

If you think you may be entitled to a discount but it is not shown on your bill, please make your application in writing to the Council Tax Office [address below]. You can also download the relevant application for discount below.

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

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