Council Tax Discounts, Disregards & Exemptions

Need to apply for a discount? Are you no longer entitled to a discount? Tell us here...

Single Occupants Discount

If you are the only adult (over eighteen) residing in a property then you can claim for a 25% Single Occupants Discount. Please note that a single Occupants Discount can only be awarded to property that you regard as your main home.

The council will be shortly carrying out a review of all Single Person Discounts. For further information please see the page titled Southend on Sea Single Person Discount Review.

Second Home Discount

If you own or are liable for Council Tax at two or more properties you may be entitled to a 10% Second Home Discount. In order to qualify for this discount the property must be fully furnished and no ones sole or main residence.

To apply for a Second Home Discount a copy of a current Council Tax bill for your main residence is required. In some circumstances an inspection of the property may be required. 

Residing elsewhere as a requirement of your job (Tied Accommodation)

The tied accommodation discount becomes available if a person has to leave their main residence, which they already own or rent, to reside at another property as a requirement of their employment. A 50% discount is applicable on the main residence, which must be kept furnished.

To apply for this discount please provide a letter from your employer confirming that it is a requirement of your employment that you reside at an alternative residence. This letter must confirm the full address of the tied accommodation.

Second Adult Rebate/Council Tax Benefit 

If your income is too high for you to qualify for Council Tax Benefit, you still may be able to receive up to 25% off your bill if there is a second adult/adults sharing your home. These second adults must be on a low income in order for you to qualify for Second Adult Rebate.

Further information can be found by visiting the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit page. The link to that page can be found in the top left of this page titled Council Tax Benefit - New claim

Disabled Relief

Disabled Relief is a reduction in Council Tax. The reduction works by being placed in the Council Tax band beneath your current band. You will be entitled to it if any resident of the property is a disabled person, and if the property has been adapted in one of the following ways;

• Use an additional room to meet the disabled persons needs (e.g. having a kidney dialysis machine, oxygen and other breathing equipment, physiotherapy or an additional downstairs bedroom)
• Use a wheelchair inside, with the property adapted to allow wheelchair access
• An additional kitchen or bathroom to meet the disabled persons needs

The disabled relief is not income based, so even if you are receiving a good income you could still qualify for this reduction.

To apply for a Discount complete the online Discounts and Exemptions form. Please note that for some discounts a home visit may be required.

For further information please go to Contact a Service for the contact details of the department.