Discounts  

The Full Council Tax bill assumes that there are two adults living in the dwelling. If only one adult lives in a dwelling (as their main home), the Council Tax bill will be reduced by 25%. Unoccupied but furnished dwellings and second homes incur a charge of 50%.

Certain people will not be counted when looking at the number of adults resident in a dwelling if they meet certain conditions. Such people include:

• Full-time (non-military) students, student nurses, apprentices and youth training trainees.
• Patients resident in hospital.
• People who are being looked after in care homes.
• People who are severely mentally impaired.
• People staying in certain hostels or night shelters.
• 18 and 19 years olds who are at or have just left school.
• Careworkers working for low pay, usually for charities.
• People caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner, or child under 18.
• Members of visiting overseas forces, certain international institutions, diplomats.
• Members of religious communities (monks and nuns).
• People in prison (except those in prison for non-payments of council tax or a fine).

If you think you may be entitled to a discount you should contact Hart Revenue Services. If your bill indicates that a discount has a been allowed, you must tell Hart Council of any change of circumstances which affects your entitlement. If you fail to do so you may be required to pay a penalty of £50, in addition to all the discounts allowed incorrectly.