Non-Dependant Deductions for Council Tax in East Riding of Yorkshire

What Is a Non-Dependant?

A non-dependant is any adult aged 18 or over living in your household who isn't your partner, a commercial tenant, or a boarder paying you rent. The most common scenario: your adult children living at home after turning 18.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council applies fixed weekly deductions to your Council Tax Support award for each non-dependant, on the assumption that they contribute towards the household's council tax.

The Deduction Rates for 2026/27

East Riding uses a simple two-tier system:

• Working non-dependant (18+): £25 per week deducted from your award
• Non-working non-dependant (18+): £10 per week deducted from your award

These deductions are subtracted from your calculated Council Tax Support award — not from your bill directly. The distinction matters because it means the deductions can reduce your award to zero.

How Deductions Can Eliminate Your Support

Here's where it gets painful. Suppose you're a single parent on Income Support with one dependent child and a 20-year-old son who works full-time. You qualify for the maximum 80% Council Tax Support, which on a Band A property (eligible liability of £25.19 per week) gives a gross award of £20.15 per week.

But with one working non-dependant at £25 per week, the deduction exceeds the award. £20.15 minus £25 equals a negative number, so the council sets your award at £0. Despite being on Income Support yourself, you'd pay the full bill.

With multiple adult children at home, the numbers stack fast. Three working non-dependants would mean £75 per week in deductions — more than any possible award under the scheme.

Who Is Exempt from Deductions

No deduction is applied for:

• Carers employed by a recognised charity or voluntary organisation who charge for their services
• Joint tenants who share the council tax liability
• Sub-tenants and boarders who pay commercial rent
• Resident landlords and their partners

If a non-dependant falls into one of these categories, you'll need to provide evidence to the council so they don't apply the wrong deduction.

What You Need to Provide

When you apply for Council Tax Support, East Riding requires proof of income or status for every adult aged 18 or over in your household. This is how the council determines whether to apply the £25 or £10 deduction, or no deduction at all.

If a non-dependant's circumstances change — they start working, lose their job, move in or move out — you must report it within 21 days to avoid an overpayment recovery.

Checking Your Award

If your Council Tax Support award looks lower than expected, the first thing to check is whether non-dependant deductions are the cause. The council's revised demand notice should show the deduction, but the breakdown isn't always obvious. You can contact the adjudication unit at [email protected] to request a full calculation showing how each deduction was applied.

The East Riding Council Tax Reduction guide includes a non-dependant deduction tracker and worked examples showing exactly how deductions interact with the income band awards.

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