VOCAL offers carers free monthly appointments with an independent advisor, to support them to write and register a Power of Attorney document. This free service should replace the need to visit a solicitor. For more details contact 0131 622 6666 or email centre@vocal.org.uk.
Council Tax - discounts, exemptions and reductions
Single person’s discount
If you live alone in your home you will be entitled to a 25% single person’s discount.
Carers Discount
If you are a carer living with the person you care for, you can claim a carers discount. It is only available to carers who care for an adult child, elderly parent or a friend (but not your spouse, partner or child under 18 years old). The carer is disregarded for council tax leaving one person (the cared for) to whom the single person discount is applied. You must be providing 35 hours or more care per week and the person you care for must be in receipt of the higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance or higher rate Attendance Allowance.
Severe Mental Impairment
If there are two people living at home and one has a severe mental impairment they will also be disregarded for council tax and the single person discount will be applied. The person with the mental impairment must complete a form, get it signed by their GP and return it to the council tax department to confirm their illness.
Disabled Person’s Reduction
This is not a discount. You can get a reduction of one band on your council tax (eg. if you are on Band B you will get a reduction to Band A). It is available in the following situations:
• a disabled person needs to use a wheelchair indoors
• there is a second bathroom/kitchen needed by the disabled person
• there is a room (other than a bathroom, toilet or kitchen) needed and predominantly used by the disabled person
Council Tax Benefit (CTB)
CTB is calculated in relation to the amount of council tax you pay. If you get full Income Support you will get full CTB. Note: Council Tax includes a water rate which is not covered by CTB.
