Does a council tax exemption apply during the fostering assessment?

There is no automatic council tax exemption while you are completing the fostering assessment. Until you are approved, the council will usually assess your council tax position under its ordinary rules. Some local authorities may offer a discretionary reduction or have a specific policy for fostering applicants, but this is not a universal entitlement.

The fostering assessment is the process used to decide whether you can become a foster carer. It normally involves an initial enquiry, checks, references, preparation training and a full assessment before a recommendation is made to the fostering panel. Completing these steps does not, by itself, change how your home is treated for council tax.

Whether any help is available during assessment depends on the council responsible for the property and the policy it applies. This may involve considering:

• whether you have formally applied to foster;
• whether your assessment has started or reached a particular stage;
• whether you are being assessed by the council or an independent fostering agency;
• whether you have received written confirmation of your applicant status; and
• the date from which any local reduction could apply.

Ask the council tax department for its position before assuming that an exemption, discount or other reduction applies. Explain that you are undergoing a fostering assessment and ask whether it has a policy for prospective foster carers. The fostering service carrying out your assessment may be able to provide a letter confirming your status, but the council may also request other evidence.

Keep paying the council tax shown on your bill unless the council confirms a change in writing. An application or a conversation with a fostering worker does not normally alter the amount due. If the council agrees to a reduction, ask for confirmation of its start date, end date and any conditions. This is particularly important if your assessment is delayed, withdrawn, unsuccessful or completed without approval.

A council tax exemption is also different from a council tax discount or council tax reduction. An exemption generally means that no council tax is charged under a specific legal rule, whereas a discount reduces the bill and a reduction may depend on your household circumstances and income. Ask the council to identify exactly which form of help it is considering rather than relying on the general term “exemption”.

If the council refuses your request, ask it to explain the decision and identify the rule or policy used. You can check whether there is an internal review or formal appeal route. If your circumstances change during the assessment, such as moving home, changing your household or ending your application, tell the council promptly because these details may affect your council tax liability.

Approval to foster and council tax treatment are separate decisions. Even if you are approved later, approval does not necessarily create an exemption automatically; the relevant council must still apply the rules and policy that govern your property and circumstances.