Important Information About Council Tax

Council Tax and Council Tax Reduction Enquiries can be made in person at our Customer Service Centre,  Clyde Square, Greenock

Hours of Opening are:  Monday - Thursday 9.00am to 4.30pm, Friday 9.00am to 3.45pm.

Council Tax Appeals – You can appeal to the Revenues & Benefits Manager if you disagree with a decision to hold you liable to pay Council Tax or the calculation of your bill.  If you remain dissatisfied, or do not receive a response within 2 months, you have a right of appeal to the Local Taxation Chamber.  Your appeal to the Local Taxation Chamber must be made within 4 months of the date of your original appeal. www.localtaxationchamber.scot

Council Tax Band Appeals – If you have an enquiry or wish to appeal against the Valuation banding shown on your bill, please contact the Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board, The Robertson Centre, 16 Glasgow Road, Paisley, PA1 3QF or telephone 0300 300 0150.  For more information about banding and appeal rights, log onto         www.saa.gov.uk

For general information about council tax, including what exemptions, discounts and reductions are available please visit our website at https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/council-and-government/council-tax

Council Tax Reduction Information

Council Tax Reduction

The Council Tax Benefit scheme ended on 31 March 2013 and was replaced by Council Tax Reduction.  Up to 100% reduction (excluding water & sewerage charges) is available to anyone on a low income who is liable to pay Council Tax. Your Council Tax Reduction is calculated based on the information we hold about you for Council Tax Benefit.  If you wish to see how your Council Tax Reduction has been calculated please contact us on 0800 013 1375 or email benefitenquiries@inverclyde.gov.uk

Reviews

If you have been awarded Council Tax Reduction and you disagree with the amount, you should request a review stating the reasons why you think your award is incorrect within two months of the date of this bill by writing to:  The Corporate Director, Environment, Regeneration & Resources, Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square, Greenock, PA15 1LY

Alternative Reduction (Second Adult Rebate)

Second Adult Rebate is a form of Council Tax Reduction, which can reduce your council tax bill by up to 25%. If your income is too high or you have too much savings/investments to qualify for main council tax reduction you may be entitled to a second adult rebate. Second adult rebate is a form of council tax reduction for people who are solely liable for council tax but do not get a single person discount because there are other adults living in the property. 

When a claim for second adult rebate is made your own financial circumstances are not taken into account in any way - only the second adult(s) income and capital are looked at. 

You can claim second adult rebate if you are the only person liable to pay Council Tax but you share your home with one of more persons over the age of 18 years old who: 

• are not liable to pay rent on a commercial basis for living in your home
• are not responsible for paying the council tax 
• are not your spouse or partner 
• have a low gross income 
• are not a person disregarded for council tax purposes such as a student or severely mentally impaired person

Second adult rebate is worked out based on the income of your second adult(s). If you have more than one second adult living with you their combined gross incomes are included. 

Reduction Start Date

If you qualify, Council Tax Reduction normally starts from the date you apply.

Change of Circumstances

You must notify the Council in writing of any changes to your circumstances that may affect your entitlement to Council Tax Reduction, for example if your income changes, if you increase your hours at work, if someone moves into your home.