Government chiefs have issued an update, as some people may not realise they are exempt from Council Tax bills
The UK Government has issued a Council Tax update almost five months after bills rose for millions of households. Most local authorities in England implemented increases of almost 5% on April 1, or an extra £109 per year for a band D home.
These extra outgoings will pile additional pressure onto families already struggling to make ends meet. But while most people aged 18 or over usually have to pay Council Tax on any home they own or rent, there are some exemptions.
A Government post on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday reads: “Did you know some households are exempt from paying Council Tax? You might also be eligible for a discount if you’re living with others who are exempt.”
Additional text found over an accompanying video further explains: “You might not need to pay Council Tax if you’re under 18 years old, a student, an apprentice, a live-in carer, a diplomat, severely mentally impaired”. For those on an apprentice scheme to be exempt, you’ll need proof from your employer that states you won’t be paid more than £195 and that the scheme will lead to an accredited qualification.
Full-time students are exempt so if everybody in the household is studying full time, there is no Council Tax to be paid. If someone living with you is not a student, you can still apply for a discount.
To qualify as a “full-time student” your course must last for at least 12 months and involve at least 21 hours of study per week. You also might be able to apply for a discount or exemption if you or someone you live with is disabled, the video adds.
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To find out more about Council Tax discounts and exemptions, click here