Evidence you need to provide
It can be difficult to provide documents or other evidence showing that you live alone. When you apply we don’t usually ask you to provide any proof, but we do ask you to declare that the information you provide in your application is true.
We regularly review single person discount claims, and ask you to re-confirm that you are the only adult living in the property.
When you can’t claim single person discount
If someone else in your household is:
- working away from home
- on holiday
Please note: You can only claim a single person discount if the property is occupied as your sole or main residence.
If your circumstances change
You must tell us within 21 days if:
- Someone else has moved in with you
- Someone in the property is no longer considered as a person who is not counted for council tax purposes
your circumstances change which means you may no longer be entitled to a single person discount. If you don't, you may be fined £70.
Changes include:
- One of your children has turned 18
- Someone has returned home after a long-term stay in hospital or care
- Someone has returned home after being released from prison
Tell us something has changed
Backdating your discount
You should apply for a discount when you first become entitled, because it is almost impossible to check backdated claims. We will not usually backdate a discount more than a short period unless you have a very good reason for not applying at the right time, and you can provide evidence to support this.
- Not realising that you needed to apply is not a good reason as information regarding the discounts is made available in the council tax booklets, which are issued to every home with your council tax bill each year. Each application will be treated on its own merits.
- If you want us to consider backdating your claim a long way, you should send your application explaining why you didn't apply when you first started living alone and provide any evidence you may have to support your claim.
