What are Discounts?

They are ways you may be entitled to a reduction in your Council Tax.  You only pay full Council Tax if there are two or more adults living in your property as their main residence.

Single Adult Discount

If you are the only adult (aged over 18) living in the property as your main residence, your bill can be reduced by 25%.

Some questions about claiming a Single Person Discount?

How do I claim?

Single Person Discount can be awarded on completing a Single Person Discount application form or following a claim for benefit (if it is evident from the claim there is only one adult occupying the property as their main home)

A single person discount form can be found in the linked documents on this page or you can apply online using the Apply for a Council Tax Discount link in the Related Information box on the right side of this page.

How long will the discount last?

The discount will continue for as long as you occupy the property as the single adult.

The following types of changes may affect your discount and you should let us know if:

• Another adult comes to stay with you and this is their main home* 
•  A child reaches the age of 18* 
•  You leave the property on a permanent basis* 

We need this information to enable us to fulfil our duty to keep the Authority’s records up to date.

Warning:

Under Regulation 16, The Council Tax (Administration & Enforcement) Regulations 1992 - you must tell the District Council if you are no longer entitled to claim this discount.  You must do this, in writing, within 21 days if your circumstances change. If you knowingly claim a discount, to which you are not entitled, this may lead to a criminal prosecution being taken against you and a penalty of £70.00 being incurred.

* Even though you may no longer be entitled to single person discount you may still qualify for an alternative reduction to your bill, please see details on Disregards from Council Tax and SECOND ADULT REBATE using the related information link.

My partner is a member of the armed forces or works away and only comes home occasionally. Can I claim a Single Person Discount?

No – Your home is still treated as your partner’s sole and main residence because there is an intention to return to the property as part of the family unit.

A friend is coming to stay for a month's holiday. Do I lose my Single Person Discount?

No – They will not be considered as part of your house-hold as they have a main residence elsewhere?

My daughter has just turned 18 but studies at college. Can I claim a Discount?

This will depend on where she will be living. If she will be away living in Halls of Residence or other accommodation then you can claim the Single Person Discount.

If she will continue to live with you then you cannot claim a Single Person Discount – however you may be entitled to seek a reduction under the Full Time Student Status Disregard. See details on Disregards from Council Tax page.

Council Tax on Second Homes

A second home is a property that someone owns or rents in addition to their main home and is usually left empty some of the time and is furnished.

Since 1st April 2004, Council Tax payers in Huntingdonshire only get a 10% discount.  This means that they will have to pay 90%.

The only exception to this rule will be where someone is living in a second home that is ‘tied accommodation’.  This means that, if the Council Tax payer is living in a property provided by his (or his wife’s) employer specifically for his or her job, he will still be able to get the 50% discount.

If your employer provides your second home, for the better/proper performance of your duties, or if there is a special security arrangement in place, please contact the Council Tax section so we can send you an application form.

You cannot claim Single Person Discount on a second home.

The rules about what is (or isn’t) a second home can be quite involved, so if you think you might be affected by these changes, please get in touch with the Council Tax team on 01480 388030 to talk about your particular circumstances' and whether you will have to pay more Council Tax on your second home.

Council Tax on long term unoccupied/unfurnished properties (more than 6 months duration)

Since 1st April 2004, Council Tax payers in Huntingdonshire are not entitled to receive any discount for unoccupied properties once the "free" (6 month) period has run out.  Owners or lease holders will have to pay the full Council Tax on these properties.

If you wish to discuss your particular circumstances please call the council tax helpline on 01480-388030

Disablement Reduction

If you, or someone who is living with you, needs a special room, additional bathroom or kitchen, or needs extra space in your property to meet special needs arising from a disability you may be entitled to a reduced Council Tax.

If you think your house-hold meets any of the discount conditions please contact us using the related information link or by calling our office on (01480) 388030 and we will send you the relevant form to claim.  Alternatively a Disablement Reduction form can be found in the linked documents on this page or you can apply online using the Apply for a Disabled Persons Reduction link in the Related Information box on the right side of this page.

Other useful links are available in the External Links box on the right hand side of this page.