NEWS RELEASES
Help in paying Council Tax
23rd February 2006
HELP is being offered to residents on low incomes who are finding it difficult paying their Council Tax.
From time to time, some residents face financial difficulties and this is something that Horsham District Council fully appreciates and offers help to those who are eligible.
Many residents are not aware that there are 23 different situations in which homes could be exempt from council tax.
These may include empty homes that are unfurnished, a house undergoing structural repair to make it fit for habitation, or homes that are occupied only by students or severely mentally impaired people. A full list is available from the Council’s website or from the Council offices.
Also, Council Tax payers on low incomes or those receiving income support, job seeker’s allowance or any other state benefit can apply for Council Tax Benefit. Successful claims can reduce the amount of Council Tax paid or, depending on family circumstances, eliminate payment altogether.
Other residents who seek help may be offered alternative payment schemes more suited to their individual circumstances and there are other ways in which a household can reduce Council Tax.
The bills that go out assume that two or more adults (people aged 18 or over) are living in a property as their main home. If there is only one adult resident, the bill can be reduced by 25 per cent.
If the property is empty or is no one’s main home the bill can be reduced by 10 per cent in the case of a furnished ‘second home’ or 50 per cent for specified time limits in certain circumstances, including the first six months following the vacation of the previous occupier, or for 12 months where structural repairs are required.
Sometimes discounts can be given even where there is more than one adult in residence. For example, full time students, carers, people who are severely mentally impaired, youth training trainees and apprentices come into the exempt category.
In the few cases where people refuse to pay, the Council has power to seek liability orders in the magistrates’ court enabling collection of money by other means but it is much better if problems can be dealt with before that action is needed.
More information about Council Tax discounts is available online or by calling Horsham District Council on (01403) 215555, email: gary.shillingford@horsham.gov.uk
Guidance about Housing and Council Tax Benefits is also available online at the same website address and by calling (01403) 215359.
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk