Severe mental impairment and disabled band reductions

Severe Mental Impairment (SMI)

If a person has a severe and permanent mental impairment they may be disregarded for Council Tax purposes.

The phrase 'severe mental impairment' covers a range of illnesses and conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer's, severe learning difficulties, or if they have suffered a stroke.

To be eligible both of the following conditions must apply:

• They have been certified by a medical practitioner as having an impairment of intelligence and social functioning, which is expected to be permanent.
   
• They are in receipt of one of the following state benefits:
   
  • Attendance allowance
  • Severe disablement allowance
  • Disability living allowance (higher or middle-rate care component)
  • Increase in disablement pension (due to constant attendance being needed)
  • Unemployability supplement or allowance
  • Constant attendance allowance
  • Income support (which includes a disability premium)
  • Personal independence payment (standard or enhanced daily living component)
  • Armed forces independence payment
  • Disability working allowance
  • Universal credit (including an element for limited capability for work or limited capability for work and work-related activity)
• Please note in the Tribunal Case of Brown v Hambleton District Council (2021)  it was held by the Judge that it was not sufficient to be 'entitled' to a relevant benefit, you also had to be actually in receipt of it in order to qualify for a SMI exemption. 

To apply for severe mental impairment reduction, download the form below.

Please note part of the form is for you to complete on behalf of someone, and part of it is for their doctor to complete and sign, stating the date of the diagnosis. Discounts can usually be backdated. 

SMI application form

Please follow the instructions in completing this form carefully. Once complete the form, along with proof of benefits, can be returned to the address below: 

Council Tax Department
St Albans City & District Council
Civic Centre Offices
St Peters' Street
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3JE

Disabled Band Reduction

If you are disabled, or have someone who is disabled living with you, you may qualify for a reduction in your Council Tax if you live in a larger property than you would need if you or another occupant were not disabled.

You’ll have to show that you’ve either:

• an extra bathroom, kitchen or other room that you need for the disabled person
• extra space inside the property for using a wheelchair

Please be note: we may need to visit your property in order to consider your application.

To apply for a disabled band reduction on behalf of someone, please log into your MyStAlbans Account. 

 MyStAlbans 

If this is not possible, you can download an application form from the link below. 

Disabled band application form

Once complete this form can be returned to our offices at the address below. 

Council Tax Department
St Albans City & District Council
Civic Centre Offices
St Peters' Street
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3JE