Are youth trainees disregarded for Council Tax?
A young person on an approved youth training scheme can be disregarded for Council Tax, in a similar way to apprentices, which can reduce the household bill. The training must meet the conditions for the disregard. You apply to your council with confirmation of the scheme.
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Check what you're owed →The youth trainee disregard supports young people who are undertaking recognised training rather than ordinary employment. While they are on a qualifying scheme and within the age conditions, they are not counted as an adult resident, which can keep a household discount in place.
This sits alongside the apprentice disregard and the rules for students and school leavers. A young person may move between these categories as they progress, for example from a training scheme into an apprenticeship or further study, with each having its own conditions to check.
Because the eligibility depends on the type of scheme and the young person age, it is worth getting written confirmation of the training and checking the position with the council. As the training ends, review whether another disregard applies so a discount does not unexpectedly drop, and check wider entitlement.
How to claim the youth trainee disregard
- Confirm the scheme. Check the young person is on an approved youth training scheme that qualifies.
- Get confirmation. Obtain written evidence of the training from the provider.
- Apply to the council. Submit the disregard application with the training details.
- Review at the end. Check whether another disregard applies as the training finishes to keep any discount.
Frequently asked questions
- Which young people does this cover?
- Those on an approved youth training scheme who meet the age conditions, in a similar way to apprentices, so they are not counted while training.
- How is it different from the apprentice disregard?
- It applies to recognised training schemes rather than employment leading to an accredited qualification, though the effect on the bill is similar.
- What evidence is needed?
- Confirmation of the training scheme and the young person details, which the council uses to apply the disregard.
- What happens when training ends?
- The young person may start to count unless they move into an apprenticeship, study or another disregarded group, so check before the disregard ends.
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