Discounts / Exemptions

Owing to the large number of Discounts, Exemptions and the different questions/supporting evidence needed, councils typically have many separate forms. However, digital should be about more than simply replicating paper, it should be an opportunity to provide something better. i.e. A solution that asks a citizen about their circumstances and, from that, guides them to the appropriate Discount/Exemption and the information they need to provide. This service enables citizens to provide details of who they are, the property in question and the means to apply for a reduction based on the person’s status, disability, or property. Supporting 27 different Discount/Exemption scenarios and Disabled Band Relief, it is a one-stop digital shop for citizens seeking reductions.

General Functionality

The form supports these four high level areas:

• Someone isdisregarded

• My property isempty

• My property has been adapted for someone

• The property is an exempt type For disregarded people, the following person statuses are supported:

1. Severely Mentally Impaired

2. Carer

3. School/College Leaver

4. Child BenefitRecipient

5. Apprentice

6. Full-time Students

7. A student’s foreignspouse/dependent

8. Religious CommunityMember

9. Detention/Prisoners

10. Hospital/Residential Care

11. Diplomats

The following empty property statuses are supported:

1. Awaiting sale

2. Awaiting let to tenants

3. Awaiting occupation

4. It’s uninhabitable due to structural works

5. It’s empty following the occupant passing away

6. It’s been left empty by someone now in care

7. It’s been left empty by someone now in prison

8. It’s been left empty by full time students

9. It’s been left empty because of a repossession

10. It’s been left empty by a bankrupt person

11. It’s been left empty awaiting a minister of religion

12. It’s been left empty as occupation is not permitted by law The form will capture details of whether the following have been adapted for disabled band reduction purposes:

13. A room (other than a kitchen, bathroom or lavatory) which is mainly used by, and required for meeting the needs of a disabled person/people

14. A second bathroom or kitchen which is required for meeting the needs of a disabled person/ people

15. A space for a wheelchair used within the property by a disabled person/people The following exempt property types are supported:

16. Unoccupied property owned by a charity

17. Student Halls of residence

18. UK Armed Forces Accommodation

19. Visiting Forces Accommodation The form also supports the ability for citizens to upload evidence to provide the status of household occupants or their property