Does anybody know where I can find the definitive criteria for entitlement to a banding reduction for a household with someone who is "substantially and permanently disabled"? I am particularly concerned with the criteria relating to use of a wheelchair indoors. The Disability Rights Handbook 2004-05 states that "you have enough space in your dwelling for that person to use a wheelchair indoors" but other sources claim that this is insufficient. Where can I find out for sure?

It's in the Council Tax (REductions for Disabilities) Regulations 1992. Regulation 3 reads:

3.—(1) Subject to paragraph (4), a person is an eligible person for the purposes of these Regulations if-
(a) he is a liable person as regards a dwelling which is the sole or main residence of at least one qualifying individual and in which there is provided-
(i) a room which is not a bathroom, a kitchen or a lavatory and which is predominantly used (whether for providing therapy or otherwise) by and is required for meeting the needs of any qualifying individual resident in the dwelling; or
(ii) a bathroom or kitchen which is not the only bathroom or kitchen within the dwelling and which is required for meeting the needs of any qualifying individual resident in the dwelling; or
(iii) sufficient floor space to permit the use of a wheelchair required for meeting the needs of any qualifying individual resident in the dwelling; and
(b) as regards the financial year in question, an application is made in writing by him or on his behalf to that authority.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), and subject to paragraph (3), references to anything being required for meeting the needs of a qualifying individual are references to its being essential or of major importance to his well-being by reason of the nature and extent of his disability.

(3) A wheelchair is not required for meeting an individual's needs if he does not need to use it within the living accommodation comprising or included in the dwelling concerned.