Please note this information is meant as a guide only and this reduction is subject to qualifying criteria and verification

To qualify for a reduction for disabilities, an adult or child must be substantially or permanently disabled.

The dwelling must be the sole or main residence of at least one qualifying person.

To be entitled to a reduction the dwelling must contain certain features that are regarded as essential or of major importance to the wellbeing of the qualifying individual living in the dwelling because of the nature of their disability There must be a causative link between the disability and the features required within the dwelling.

Specifically, there are three possible features of the dwelling which can lead to a reduction. Only one of them needs to apply for you to consider applying for a reduction:

• A room which is not a bathroom, kitchen or lavatory and which is predominantly used by and is required for meeting the needs of the qualifying individual resident in the dwelling; or
• A bathroom or kitchen which is not the only bathroom or kitchen within the dwelling and which is required for meeting the needs of any qualifying individual resident in the dwelling; or
• Sufficient floor space to permit the use of a wheelchair required for meeting the needs of any qualifying individual resident in the dwelling.

The liable person must confirm that the space or room is essential, or of major importance, to the wellbeing of the disabled resident due to the nature and extent of the disability.

As long as the various conditions are fulfilled, people with any type of disability can qualify for a reduction. Please be advised that a council visiting officer is required to make a visit to the property.

Please note there have been a number of high court cases that have established several principles that we must take into account when assessing applications for disablement relief. These are summarised below:

• There has to be a causative link between the use of the room and the disability.
• The room has to be in some way extra or additional.
• Would the room be required for the relevant purpose if the disabled resident were not disabled?

Please note that the fact that a disabled person is resident in a dwelling is not sufficient in itself for disablement relief to be awarded.