I only recently discovered this, as no-one from the various organisations we deal with ever mentioned it, so I hope it helps someone else. It will have been mentioned before on CAG, but this may act as a reminder.

I act as carer for my mother in law who is pretty badly disabled and gets higher rates of DLA. Last year she was diagnosed with dementia, officially, although we knew there were problems before that. There are 3 people in the house.

I have now submitted a signed statement from her GP confirming her lack of mental capabilities and my role as a carer.

This gives further information:

http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/moneyandlegal/finance/Pages/council-tax-discounts.aspx

She also requires space in the house for wheelchair to get about, zimmer on occasions, etc and has a specially adapted bathroom. We have made one room downstairs her bedroom so we can't use it. There might be the possibility of a lower Council Tax banding than we are currently on. I will keep my fingers crossed.

Hopefully someone else might benefit and remember, back dated claims can be made.

There are 3 of us in the household.

I have now been granted a 25% discount on my Council Tax bill. My Council have agreed to backdate the claim to the date of dementia diagnosis. So, it means a handy sum paid back to us a a cheaper bill reduced by at least 25% next year.

We have also applied for our home to be downgraded in Council Tax banding. This is because our downstairs dining room is used as a bedroom by my MIL and the downstairs bathroom has been adapted to her needs. They are due to visit shortly. I do not anticipate a problem with this side of our application.

does the other adult in property also provide care to your mother-in-law? if so, you may be able to get 50% discount instead of 25%

Thanks for that advice, I will pursue it. My wife tends to take over from me at nights. I am bipolar and clinically depressed so my medication knocks me out at night and she cares for her mum from dinner time onwards until I make breakfast and the routine continues.

Many thanks, I will update to let folk know how we get on.

..

Result.

Tax band reduced and given Carers assistance. This means I have no council tax to pay this year.

Glad you managed to get it sorted, so have they reduced you to 50% charge on lower band?