Council tax exemptions | Shropshire Council

There are some circumstances where you don't have to pay council tax - these are known as exemptions.

The following information is intended as a guide only, and all exemptions are subject to qualifying criteria and verification.

Exemptions relating to personal circumstances

You don't need to pay council tax if you're:

Under 18
Severely mentally impaired
In prison or detention – except for non-payment of local tax or fines
A school or college leaver
A full-time student
A student nurse
An apprentice or youth training trainee
Receiving care in a registered care home
A resident of a hostel
A member of a religious community who is dependent on the community and has no personal income
A non-British spouse of a full time student whose visa restricts work or claiming benefits
18 or 19 years old and receive child benefit
A long-term hospital patient
Receiving or giving care elsewhere
A member or dependant of an international headquarters or a defence organisation
A member or dependant of visiting forces
Someone with diplomatic privilege or immunity

You don't need to pay council tax if the property is:

Owned by a charity and unoccupied, exemption can apply up to a maximum of six months
Unoccupied since the death of a person who had a freehold interest in the dwelling, or a leasehold interest of six months or more
Unoccupied because occupation is forbidden by law
Unoccupied and awaiting occupation by a minister of religion
Left empty by students
Unoccupied because of repossession and the mortgagee is in possession
Held as armed forces accommodation and owned by the secretary of state for defence
Unoccupied, and is the responsibility of a bankrupts trustee
An unoccupied caravan pitch or unoccupied boat mooring
An annex or self-contained part of a property which is occupied by a dependent relative of the family in the other part of the property

In order to receive an exemption, you must make a claim, which is subject to verification by Shropshire Council.

If you believe you may be entitled to one of these exemptions, or have any other queries, please contact us.