Council Tax reductions for pensioners

New for 2012-13, the Council amended the qualifying age criteria to 70 with effect from 1st April 2012. To qualify for a reduction against your 2012-2013 demand, you must be the Council Taxpayer and not in receipt of 100% Council Tax Benefit.

Pensioner Reduction is granted after any discounts or reliefs such as the single person discount. All adults at the property must be aged 70 or over as at 1st April 2012. If you are already in receipt of the Pensioner Discount, this will be awarded automatically for 2012-13. If you newly qualify because you are over 70 please download and complete the Pensioner Reduction form. 

Click here to see examples of the reductions

If someone who is currently 69 years of age, will be 70 before 31st March 2013 the reduction may be awarded from their 70th birthday, provided qualifying criteria are met.

Council Tax reductions for pensioners 

To qualify for a reduction againgst your 2011-12 Council Tax demand, you must be the Council Taxpayer and not in receipt of 100% Council Tax Benefit. Pensioner Reduction is granted after any discounts or reliefs. All the individuals at the property must be aged 75 or over as at 1 April 2011.   

If not all the residents are 75 as at 1 April, but will be prior to 31 March 2012, the reduction can be granted from the 75th birthday of the person attaining 75 years. 

What happens if I already get Council Tax Benefit?

The Pensioner Discount did not apply previously to Council Tax Benefit claimants, but from 1 April 2009 it DOES apply. If you are in receipt of Council Tax Benefit we will calculate your Pensioner Reduction, you need not apply.

What do I need to do?

If you currently receive Pensioner Discount, you will automatically be transferred to the new Pensioner Reduction - you do not need to complete an application form.

If you receive Council Tax Benefit the Council will calculate it automatically, you need not apply.

If neither of the aforementioned are applicable and if you think a reduction should apply to you, please download and complete the Pensioner Reduction form.

What evidence might I need to support my claim?

If you have applied for a reduction, we may contact you if we need further evidence such as your birth certificate to support your claim.

What can I do if the Council refuses to give me a reduction?

First of all contact us and we will explain our decision. If you remain unhappy we have an appeals process. See the Council Tax Appeals section for more information.