For Council Tax purposes, those considered to have a severe mental impairment are not included when assessing the number of adult occupants of a property for the Council Tax bill.
To qualify the individual must have a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning (however caused) which appears to be permanent, and be in receipt of at least one of the following allowances, (or be entitled to one should they not have reached pensionable age).
- an incapacity benefit
- an attendance allowance
- a severe disablement allowance
- the care component of a disability living allowance (payable at either the highest or middle rate)
- an increase in the rate of disablement pension (increase where constant attendance is needed)
- a disability working allowance
- an unemployability supplement
- a constant attendance allowance
The patient’s doctor will also need to confirm that they believe the discount/exemption is applicable under guidance already provided to them by the Department of Health.
To apply please use this 
Severe Medical Impairment discount application form. Please print a copy, complete it and return it to:
The Revenue Manager
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5NE.
Part 1 of the form asks for the name and address of the patient and for details of any benefit they may receive,
and
Part 2 is a certificate which you should ask the patient’s doctor to complete.
Alternatively if you would like any further advice or information, please contact us on 01803 861234 where someone will be only too pleased to help you.
