Council tax discounts - apprentices and youth trainees

Who is an apprentice?

A person is considered an apprentice for the purposes of council tax if they are:

• Employed to learn a trade or profession, and
• Undertaking a training programme leading to a qualification accredited by a body recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) or the Scottish Vocational Education Council (SVEC), and
• Paid £195 or less a week, but expected to be paid substantially more once qualified.

Who is a youth trainee?

A person is considered a youth trainee if they are:

• Under 25 years of age, and
• Receiving training through arrangements (made under the Employment and Training Act 1973) which constitute an approved training scheme for the purposes of Section 28 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992.

How much discount can you get?

Your full council tax bill is based on at least two adults (people over 18) living in a property.

Youth trainees and apprentices do not count towards the number of adults considered to be living in a property.

This means if 2 adults live in a property and 1 of them is a youth trainee or apprentice, the bill will be worked out as if only 1 adult lives there. This would reduce the bill by 25%.

If the only person living in the property is a youth trainee or apprentice, the bill will be reduced by 50%.

Documents needed

Before applying for youth trainee or apprentice discount, you will need the following documents:

• For apprentices:
  • a declaration from your employer of your Apprenticeship status.
  • proof of earnings
• For youth trainees:
  • proof of Youth Training Trainee status.

 Apply for a council tax discount - apprentices and youth trainees