Overlapping Council Tax Reductions?

Ref44

SWMBO has dementia and we have an application in with the LA for CT Disregard(SMI) which they are taking months to process. In the intervening period, the applicant is now having to use a wheelchair to get around the bungalow and there is space for her to do so. She claims higher rate PIP mobility ( 12pts moving around). Can she also apply for the CT Band reduction on grounds of disability or would this be viewed as overlapping benefits? Auntie Google hasn't come up with an answer, so do any of the experts here know the answer.

Many thanks

calcotti

Band Reduction and SMI disregard are different. It would, to the best of my knowledge, be possible to get both.

Ref44

calcotti;  thankyou.

I've been thinking about it and can't at present see any reason  why I can't apply as someone who has a disabled person living with them. SWMBO would still be joinly and severally liable for the 75% we would be paying if she gets SMI so would still a bill payer. My concern was that there is some obscure regulation in the legislation that would scupper the idea.

Bigwheels1111

Not sure what all the letters mean above but here is what I know.
Im a full time live in carer for my friend, She gets 25% off for me as her carer, so it’s the same as me not being here.
She also got a reduction from band B to A due to her disability.
On 2 grounds, 1 a ramp to gain access to the property was fitted and meets the requirement.
2 had a low access shower and other bathroom modifications.
The assessor said it’s the only flat in 30 years he’s given the lower banding to.
You need to find out what your local council requirements are to qualify.
A ramp or wet room or low access shower.
Sorry I can’t find the form with the info I used.
It was 5-6 years ago.

Ref44

Thankyou for that; ramps etc aren't mentioned on the council application form, but they do want photos of the use of a wheelchair in the property. I'll include a photo of the access ramp.

p00hsticks

Bigwheels1111 said:

Not sure what all the letters mean above

SWMBO = She Who Must Be Obeyed

LA = Local Authority

CT = Council Tax

SMI = Severe Mental Impairment

PIP = Personal Independence Payment

elmer

You can apply for both the SMI disregard and the disabled band reduction, however SWMBO will no longer be liable as people who are SMI are removed from liability

Bigwheels1111

p00hsticks said:

Bigwheels1111 said:

Not sure what all the letters mean above

SWMBO = She Who Must Be Obeyed

LA = Local Authority

CT = Council Tax

SMI = Severe Mental Impairment

PIP = Personal Independence Payment

I call her the boss, 😆 

Looked for paperwork but can’t find any.
Most of it was done by local council occupational therapy department.
A lovely lady called Linda visited, looked over the flat and said you need a ramp, new bathroom with raised toilet and lower sink plus a low access shower with lots of hand rails.
Then looked at her legs and said a rises recliner would help you.
In less than 7 days a ramp had been measured, made and fitted. Recliner took 5 days to arrive.
Bathroom took about 23 days before work started.
We we’re very impressed.

Ref44

Thanks to all who replied. The LA processed the Disabled band reduction in 1 day compared to the 4 months they took for SMI. New bill has been issued with significantly reduced monthly payments for rest of year.