Deductions, reductions, overpayments
Last updated: 2 April 2024
Next review: 2 April 2025
Non-dependant deductions
If you have other people over the age of 18 living with you it may affect the amount of council tax support you get as they are expected to pay towards housing costs.
The person may be a:
- relative
- friend
- a child that you no longer get child benefit for.
They are called ‘non-dependants’.
We take set amounts off the support amount you get depending on their income.
Even if your non-dependant doesn’t give you anything, or you don’t want to take anything, according to the local authority’s council tax support scheme, we still have to take the set amounts off the weekly support amount you get.
Non-dependant deductions from April 2024
| Pension Age Claimants | |
| Non dependant’s Income | Amount Deducted |
| Income Support, State Pension Credit, an income-based jobseeker’s allowance or an income-related employment and support allowance | Nil |
| Not working or earning less than £256 per week | £4.90 |
| More than £255.99 but less than £445.00 | £10.05 |
| More than £444.99 but less than £554.00 | £12.60 |
| £554.00 or greater | £15.10 |
| Working Age Claimant | |
| Non dependant’s Income | Amount Deducted |
| Income Support, State Pension Credit, an income-based jobseeker’s allowance or an income-related employment and support allowance | Nil |
| Not working or earning less than £248.18 per week | £6.60 |
| Earning more than £248.17 and less than £401.47 per week | £13.15 |
| Earning more than £401.46 and less than £536.23 per week | £16.59 |
| Earning more than £536.22 per week | £20.01 |
Exceptions
We do not make a deduction for any non-dependant if you or your partner is:
- registered blind
- getting attendance / constant attendance allowance
- getting the care component of disability living allowance (DLA)
- getting the standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP)
- getting armed forces independence payment
In addition some persons are ignored for council tax purposes if they:
- are under 18
- are aged 18-20 and you get child benefit for them
- are on a work based training for young people and getting a training allowance
- are a full time student or student nurse
- have been in hospital for more than 52 weeks
- have a severe mental impairment
- are in legal custody
- usually live elsewhere
Second Adult Reduction
You can claim a Second Adult Reduction of up to 25 per cent if you share your home with one or more adults who are:
- over 18 and not paying you rent
- not your spouse or partner
- not responsible for paying the Council Tax
- receive certain benefits, such as Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support, or are on a low income
Your own income and savings aren’t taken into account.
Discretionary reduction of Council Tax
If you're in significant financial or personal hardship you may be able to claim a discretionary reduction of Council Tax.
Overpaid Council Tax Support
If you’ve paid too much Council Tax Support, we’ll write and tell you. The letter will explain:
- why we gave you too much support
- the amount of overpayment
- if you have to pay back that amount
- how you can appeal this decision
If the amount of Council Tax you have to pay changes we will send you an updated bill showing your new payments.