Rates: Exemptions and Support to pay
You may be entitled to help with these payments if are on a low income or claim benefits. You claim Rate Relief together with your Housing Benefit, if you are a tenant. If you are an owner- occupier, you can claim Rate Relief online.
Rates are calculated using local council figures as well as the value of your house. The more your house is worth the more you will pay. If you believe that the value used for calculation is wrong you can apply for re-valuation with the Land and Property Services. You need to continue to pay your rates bill when you're waiting for the re-valuation.
Can I get discount on Rates?
If you qualify for the Disabled Person's Allowance or the Lone Pensioner Allowance you will get a discount on your rates bill. You have to apply for these allowances using forms obtained from Land & Property Services. See below information from LPS around the available discounts.
Disabled Persons Allowance
If there is a disabled person living in your home and the property was adapted for them you could get a 25% discount on your rates bill. Only certain types of adaptations qualify for this reduction. These following adaptations will be considered:
- A room added, other than kitchen, bathroom or toilet, and used by the person with a disability for treatment or therapy,
- Extra kitchen added for the person with a disability,
- Extra toilet for the person with a disability, or
- Added floor space to accommodate a wheelchair.
There has to be a clear link between how the property has been adapted and the disability in question. If there is not, this rate discount will not be given.