NEWS RELEASES
Help in paying your Council Tax
1 October 2008
HELP is available 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 many circumstances 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 in the ‘Council Tax Explained’ leaflet which will soon be circulated to all homes in the Horsham District as well as being available online or from the Council’s offices.
In addition, Council Tax payers on low incomes or people 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. Examples include the following:
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.
In the case of a furnished ‘second home, the charge will be at 90% of the published charge. In the case of an unfurnished property, a period of zero charge applies 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, where other adult residents are disregarded for discount calculation purposes. Examples of disregarded adults include full time students, carers, people who are severely mentally impaired, youth training trainees and apprentices. A comprehensive list is available from the Council.
Reductions in the level of Council Tax charged are also available in certain circumstances where a property has a disabled resident. Full details are available from the Council.
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: CouncilTax@horsham.gov.uk
Guidance about Housing and Council Tax benefits is also available online and by calling 01403 215359.
Ends
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk