Single occupants of a property are entitled to a 25 per cent discount on their council tax bill.

Furnished properties that are no-one's sole or main residence but are subject to planning conditions and properties provided for reasons of employment will receive a 50 per cent discount.

Discounts can also apply to people such as students, apprentices, student nurses, youth training trainees, school leavers, certain carers and careworkers, persons in detention and severely mentally impaired people.

Such discounts however, can only be given where there are not two or more other adults living at the property. 

Apply for a council tax discount online

You might also be entitled to council tax support. Council tax support is a means tested benefit (income and savings are taken into consideration) which will help you to pay your council tax.

Homes for Ukraine Council Tax scheme

If you match the following criteria, you are entitled to a 50 per cent discount on your council tax:

Find out more about how to apply for the Homes for Ukraine Council Tax Scheme

Long term empty properties

The Local Government Act 2003 allows local authorities to reduce or remove completely the amount of discount for long term empty homes (those which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished).

In accordance with the provisions of this Act, Havant Borough Council has taken the decision not to allow any discount in respect of long term empty properties and these will be subject to the full council tax bill. 

Properties that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for at least two years and are not subject to a statutory exemption will have an additional premium of 100 per cent council tax applied to them, or 200 per cent if empty for over five years.

These periods will include any period where an empty property discount has been awarded.