Council Tax Class Y Exemption: Properties operating as a refuge

If a property is operating as a refuge, it may be entitled to an exemption if it meets certain criteria.

What’s available

If an application is approved, a full Council Tax exemption will be applied to the property, which means no Council Tax will be charged while it qualifies.

Who is eligible

A Class Y Exemption can only be given to properties that operate as a refuge which provides emergency accommodation for people escaping abuse. This includes survivors of:

• domestic abuse
• gender-based violence
• sexual violence

This exemption can apply to any type of accommodation, but the property must be either:

• provided by a local authority in Wales
• run by an organisation on behalf of a local authority in Wales

This exemption cannot be granted to:

• services operating independently without local authority approval or support (including privately operated refuges that are not commissioned)
• general homeless accommodation
• temporary accommodation that is not specifically for survivors of abuse
• supported housing intended for long‑term residence

How to apply

You will need to apply for this exemption online.

Apply for a Council Tax Class Y Exemption online

Changes in circumstances

You must let us know if anything changes that could affect this application.

If changes are not reported, we may withdraw the reduction and ask for any relief already given to be repaid.

You can contact us to let us know about changes in circumstances.