Good news: Millions of people in the UK are entitled to council tax discounts but don't claim them. Some discounts can reduce your bill by 25-100%. It's always worth checking if you qualify.
Main Discounts
Single Person Discount
If you're the only adult living in your home, you get 25% off your council tax. This is the most common discount.
Who counts as "living alone"?
Some people don't count as adults for council tax purposes. You can still get the discount if you live with:
- • Children under 18
- • Full-time students
- • People with severe mental impairment
- • Live-in carers (who earn under £195/week)
- • Diplomats
Student Exemption
Properties where everyone living there is a full-time student are completely exempt from council tax.
Who counts as a full-time student?
- • University/college students on courses lasting at least 1 year and 21+ hours per week
- • Under-20s on A-levels, BTECs, or similar (before 1 November after finishing)
- • Foreign language assistants registered with the British Council
Note: If one person in the house isn't a student, they'll get 25% single person discount instead.
Disabled Band Reduction
If someone in your home has a disability, you may get your bill reduced to the next band down (e.g., from Band D to Band C rates).
You may qualify if your home has:
- • An extra room needed for the disabled person's care (not a bedroom)
- • A second bathroom or kitchen for the disabled person
- • Extra space for wheelchair use indoors
Tip: If you're already in Band A, you'll get a discount equivalent to moving down one band.
Full Exemptions (100% off)
Some properties are completely exempt from council tax:
Empty properties may be exempt for up to 6 months (varies by council)
All residents must be full-time students
No adults living in the property
Requires a doctor's certificate
Provided by the Ministry of Defence
Previous occupier moved to a care home or hospital
Exempt until probate is granted + 6 months
Council Tax Reduction (Support)
If you're on a low income or receive benefits, you might get help paying council tax through your council's Council Tax Reduction scheme (also called Council Tax Support).
This is different from discounts - it's based on your financial circumstances, not who lives with you.
You may qualify if you:
- •Receive Universal Credit
- •Receive Pension Credit
- •Have a low income and low savings (usually under £16,000)
- •Are not working or work part-time
Each council runs its own scheme with different rules. Contact your local council to apply.
Second Homes & Empty Properties
Important change: From April 2025, councils in England can charge up to double council tax on second homes and long-term empty properties.
How to Apply for a Discount
Check what you're entitled to
Use our calculator or the list above to see which discounts apply to you
Contact your council
Apply online through your council's website, or call them
Provide evidence
You may need documents like student certificates, disability assessments, or proof of income
Receive a new bill
If approved, you'll get an updated bill showing your discount. You may get a refund if you've overpaid
Key Points to Remember
- ✓You can combine some discounts (e.g., single person discount + disabled band reduction)
- ✓Discounts aren't automatic - you must apply for most of them
- ✓Tell your council if your circumstances change (e.g., someone moves in or out)
- ✓You can claim backdated discounts - usually up to 6 years
- ✓If you disagree with a decision, you can appeal