Isle of Wight Council

Council Tax Reductions

Frequently Asked Questions for this Service

Question: I have Local Council Tax Support pending, do I have to pay my Council Tax bill?

Answer: Yes, you will need to continue to pay your Council Tax bill as there is no guarantee that benefit will be awarded. If you have concerns over your ability to pay, it is important that you discuss with the council tax department as soon as possible.

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Question: Am I eligible for the sole occupier discount?

Answer: You may be eligible for the sole occupier discount for the council tax charged on your property if it is your sole or main residence and you are the only adult using that property as their sole or main residence. Apply for this discount online at the following link.
- Related Link

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Question: Can I claim a discount because I live elsewhere as part of my job?

Answer: You may be eligible for a 50 per cent discount on your council tax bill for a second furnished property if you must live in another property as part of your job. You will need to supply proof of this arrangement when you apply for the discount. Completed applications should be returned by email to council.tax@iow.gov.uk or by post to Isle of Wight Council Revenues Services, PO Box 238, Newport, PO30 9FP. The application form can be downloaded from our website at the following link or it can be posted to you on request. Phone 01983 823901 or email council.tax@iow.gov.uk if you need a form to be posted to you. - Related Link

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Question: How do I register for Paperless Billing to receive my bill by email?

Answer:
You can register for Paperless Billing online at the following link - Related Link

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Question: How does the information from a credit reference agency confirm who is living at my address?

Answer: The information received from credit reference agencies can highlight changes in circumstances that may not have been reported. The council must review the discount or exemption that has been awarded to ensure that council tax is being charged correctly.

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Question: What will happen if I do not complete and return the review form that I have received?

Answer: The discount or exemption under review will be ended and a revised bill will be sent to you. Complete and return the review form even if you think you are no longer entitled so that we can ensure the correct amount of council tax is being charged.

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Question: Why have I received a discount or exemption review form?

Answer: Our records show that you are in receipt of a discount or an exemption. The council must regularly review discounts and exemptions to ensure that council tax is being charged correctly. Complete and return the review form as soon as possible.

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Question: Are there any discounts for students and student nurses?

Answer: Adults that are undertaking certain courses of education may be disregarded for council tax purposes. There are a range of discounts available up to 100 per cent. The decision to award discount will depend on the age of the adult, the type of course being undertaken, and total number of adults living in the property. You can apply for this disregard online at the following link, you will need to supply proof of your student status with your application. - Related Link

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Question: Are there any discounts for paid carers?

Answer:
Adults providing care to somebody that they live with on behalf of a relevant body may be disregarded for council tax purposes. The carer must not be paid more than £44 a week to give the care, and care must be given for at least 24 hours per week.

There are a range of discounts available up to 50 per cent. The decision to award discount will depend on the total number of adults living in the property. You can apply for this disregard online at the following link, you will need to supply a letter from the relevant body confirming that the adult is giving care on their behalf, and the amount they are paying the adult.




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Question: Is the annexe on my property exempt from council tax?

Answer: Apply for exemption online at the following link if you believe the annexe should be exempt for one of the following reasons.

Empty and unoccupied annexes may be exempt from council tax if the main part of the property is occupied and there is a planning restriction preventing you from letting or selling the annexe separately. Exemption will not apply if you are using the annexe as an extension to the main property. You will need to supply proof of the planning restriction when you apply.

Occupied annexes may be exempt from council tax if they are the sole or main residence of a person that is a dependent relative of the person living in the main property. A dependent relative can be a relative that is aged 65 years or more, or a relative that has been disregarded due to severe mental impairment, or a relative that is substantially and permanently disabled. You will need to supply proof when you apply that the person living in the annexe is a dependent relative of the person living in the main property. - Related Link

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