Council Rates

[cazdee]

Hi,
Can anyone explain why a single person discount is not means tested?
My husband is on permanent sick and because I work full time does not qualify for any benefits.
The job centre said we should get a reduction in our rates, so we applied and were told I make too much to qualify. Yet my sister-in-law earns more than me but lives alone and she qualifies for the discount.
Just wondered why.
Thanks for any replies.

[Flonska]

In principle, Council Tax is based on two adults living in a property. It may vary from one authority to another? You can check if you may be eligible for a discount in your area

https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-council-tax-discount

[Mamyalynne]

Your SIL gets single person occupancy discount as all single occupants do.

You appear to earn too much for Council Tax Benefit.

They are two separate things.

[cazdee]

Thanks Mamyalynne that makes sense I could not work out why she gets discount but we don't.

[Mamyalynne]

It can seem confusing I agree, if you have applied and been refused CB then I'm afraid that's it - until or unless your income drops.

[Peter Pedant]

PIP isnt means tested - doesnt mean your H will get it if he applies tho'

[andres]

Does your husband not get sick pay if he is permanently ill?

[Old_Geezer]

Why would it be means tested ? It's an attempt to make rates a little fairer as one person doesn't use as much of the services as two or more.

[Mamyalynne]

Cazdee can see that part now as it's been explained, she has replied above.

[BagPussAA]

The single person discount on the Council tax is applied because it is worked on the principle that a single person creates less usage of the council services that the tax pays for. A single person creates less waste for the bin men to collect etc. It is not based on how much you earn because it is about the single person's impact on the community. 2 people or a family have a bigger impact than a single person.