If a disabled person lives in your household and special
adaptations have been made to the property to help with that
person's needs, you may be entitled to Disabled Relief.
The adaptations of the property must be either:-
- a room which is not a bathroom, a kitchen or a
lavatory which is predominantly used by and is required
for meeting the needs of a qualifying individual (e.g. having a
kidney dialysis machine, oxygen and other breathing equipment,
physiotherapy or an additional downstairs bedroom), or
- a bathroom or kitchen which is not the only bathroom or kitchen
within the dwelling and which is provided for the meeting the needs
of a qualifying individual, or
- sufficient floor space to permit the use of a wheel-chair
required for meeting the needs of a qualifying individual.
This relief tries to ensure that disabled people are not
disadvantaged by having to pay more tax because of any extra space
needed. Please note that the use of a private garage for a motor
vehicle, hand rails, ramps or a chair lift used by the disabled
person are regrettably not qualifying criteria for a
reduction.
Subject to a successful written application your Council Tax
bill will be reduced to that of a property in the band immediately
below the band shown in the Valuation List.
For example, if your home is in Band C, your Council Tax bill
will be reduced to the equivalent of a Band B dwelling. This will
not, however, affect the value of your home or its banding in the
Valuation List.
Properties in band A are included in the reduction scheme i.e.
they will receive a reduction equal to 1/9th of the charge for Band
D. Prior to 1 April 2000 there was no reduction available for these
properties.
No account is taken of your income, so even if you are
receiving a good income you could still qualify for this
reduction.
Your home may have features added
for a resident with disabilities, which reduces its value. If you
do not think these were taken into account in assigning your
Council Tax band then you should write to the Listing Officer,
Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2PW.
For more information go to our section on
Appeals.
Application form:
If you would like an application
form please contact a member of the Local Taxation Team and they
will be happy to assist you with its completion.
Please note:
If you have been granted Disabled
Relief that you believe you are not entitled to, you are legally
required to inform the Council within 21 days. Failure to do so may
result in the issue of a £70.00 civil penalty.