What is a rates rebate?
The Rates Rebate Scheme was established by Government in 1973 to provide a subsidy to low income home owners on the cost of their rates.
Council administer the Scheme and is reimbursed by the Government for all rates rebates.
A rates rebate is a partial discount on a rates bill — you pay less for your rates.
If you own your home and are on a low income, you may be eligible for a rates rebate.
Do you qualify for a rates rebate?
You may be eligible for a rates rebate for the 2026-2027 rating year if:
- You are the legal ratepayer for your property
- Your property was your place of residence on 1 July 2026
- Your property is not used principally for commercial, industrial, business or farming purposes
- You apply between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027
To check what your entitlement might be if you provide the above details to Council by telephone or over the counter at one of our offices, we can quickly calculate whether you qualify for a rates rebate, and if so, how much you would be entitled to or you can use the online rates rebate calculator.
Go to DIA rates rebate calculator
How to apply for a rates rebate
Applications for the 2026-2027 rating year open on 1 August 2026. Marlborough District Council Blenheim customer services will have dedicated rates rebate staff on duty from 3 August 2026 to 11 September 2026, hours 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. There are 2 car parks for mobility permits holders located at the rear of the Council buildings for your convenience.
What do
I need to apply:
Proof of Income
Proof of income is required for the tax year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
You can get this proof from Inland Revenue.
- You can get an income summary by logging into Inland Revenue (IR).
Go to the Request a summary of income page on the IR website
You can also contact IR's self-service 24 hours, 7 days and week, by phoning 0800 257 777
Proof of self-employed income
If you are self-employed, you need to provide satisfactory proof of income for the tax year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. This includes:
- A copy of your complete set of financial accounts, or
- The IR3B or IR10 form you provided to Inland Revenue.
Business losses cannot be offset against other income.
Proof of SuperGold card
If the legal ratepayer of the property holds a SuperGold Card, you may be eligible to receive a higher rebate. Provide a copy or bring in your signed SuperGold card when applying.
