Disabled Band Reduction

If you bill indicates that a Discount, Reduction or Exemption has been applied, you must tell the Council Tax Department of any changes in your circumstances which may affect your entitlement within 21 days. If your fail to do so, a penalty of £70 may be imposed.

Information on band reductions for disabled residents

People with disabilities whose homes have been adapted for their use may be entitled to a Disabled Band Reduction. This means that their Council Tax is calculated as if their property is one band lower than it would normally be. If a property is already a band A it is not possible to apply a lower band, but there will be a reduction. 

You might qualify for this if a disabled person lives in the property, and it has features that are essential for their support. To qualify, the following conditions must apply:  

  • the property must be the disabled person's sole or main residence 
  • the person must be substantially and permanently disabled 
  • the person can be an adult or a child 
  • the disabled person does not have to be the liable person 
     

The property must also have at least one of the following features: 

  • a room (not a bathroom, kitchen, or toilet) which is predominantly used by the disabled person and this room's original use has been changed to accommodate the disabled person. 
  • a second bathroom or kitchen which has been adapted to meet their needs (a sole bathroom or kitchen even if adapted would not qualify) 
  • sufficient floor space to allow the use of a wheelchair indoors (A wheelchair is not considered to be meeting an individual’s needs if that person does not need to use it indoors) 

The extra room does not have to have been specially built and can be an existing room, but it must be of major importance to the wellbeing of the person with the disability and extra or additional to what a person would ordinarily need.

If a reduction is granted, the Council Tax is calculated one band lower than it would normally be. If a property is already a band A it is not possible to apply a lower band, but there will be a reduction. The adjustment will be made as shown below:  

Original Band Reduction
Band A Reduction by 17% 
Band B Band A
Band C Band B
Band D Band C
Band E Band D
Band F Band E
Band G Band F
Band H Band G

How to apply

  • Download and complete the Disabled Reduction Application Form.
  • You will need to arrange for your GP, social worker, or physiotherapist to complete the last section on this form. If they are unable to do you will need to provide a letter from your GP, social worker or physiotherapist confirming the disability. 
  • Scan the completed application form using either a scanner or taking a picture of it using your mobile phone.  
  • Email your completed application form and supporting letter (if applicable) to us at counciltax@milton-keynes.gov.uk