People with disabilities
Physical disabilities reduction
Your bill may be reduced if your home has certain features which are essential, or of major importance, to the well-being of a person with a disability, whether an adult or child, who is resident in the property.
These features are:
- an additional bathroom or kitchen required for the use of the person with the disability
- any other room (except a toilet) which is predominantly used by the disabled person
- extra space inside the property to allow for the use of a wheelchair.
Any reduction granted does not depend on income or savings.
Who can apply?
The person who is responsible for paying Council Tax must apply even if it is another person living in the property who has a disability.
What reduction can I get?
If you are granted a reduction, the property will be put into the band below that shown in the Valuation List and a new bill will be sent to you.
Only one reduction can be given for each property.
If the property is already on the lowest band - A the reduction is calculated as five ninths of the amount set by the Local Authority for properties shown in Band D.
What happens next?
Please apply on-line here. We will then send an inspector to the property to ensure that all the essential features have been taken into account when we assess the eligibility for this reduction. If eligible you will receive a revised council tax bill.
Will I have to apply again?
Yes. Every year we will write for confirmation that your circumstances have not changed since your original application.
What if I don't get a reduction?
You have the right to appeal against our decision. Details of how to appeal to the Valuation Officer will be sent to you on request please ring us on 08456 122 660, email counciltax@richmond.gov.uk or write to us at Revenues & Benefits, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ.
Severely mentally impaired reduction
People who are severely mentally impaired are not counted when the council calculates the council tax.
A person is regarded as severely mentally impaired if he or she suffers from severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning which appears to be permanent.
In order for these people not to be counted for council tax calculations purposes, they must be entitled to a number of benefits including:
- certain incapacity benefits,
- disability allowances,
- unemployability allowances or
- attendance allowances