Council Tax Discount Guide
Your complete guide to Council Tax discounts and exemptions in the UK. Learn if you qualify for the 25% single person discount, student exemptions, or disability reductions.
Check Your Eligibility
Council Tax is charged per property, not per person. However, certain circumstances allow you to claim a discount or complete exemption from your local authority.
Common Discounts
Reductions applied to your total Council Tax bill.
Full Exemptions
Situations where no Council Tax is payable at all.
Discount & Exemption Summary
A summary of the most common Council Tax reductions available to UK residents in 2026.
| Discount / Exemption Type | Typical Reduction | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person Discount | 25% off total bill | Only one adult resides in the property |
| Student Exemption | 100% (Full Exemption) | All residents are full-time students |
| Disability Reduction | Band reduction (e.g., D to C) | Property has extra space/room required for a disabled person |
| Severe Mental Impairment | 25% to 100% | Medical certification of severe mental impairment |
| Second Adult Rebate | Up to 25% | Living with low-income adults who are disregarded |
How to Claim Your Discount
Follow these straightforward steps to apply for a Council Tax discount or exemption with your local authority.
Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the process with your local council.
Need Help?
Free, confidential support is available.
Helpline: 0800 144 8848 (England)
They can help you check your eligibility and draft letters to your council.
Council Tax FAQ
Everything you need to know about claiming Council Tax discounts, exemptions, and reductions in the UK.
If you live alone, or if you are the only adult counted as residing in a property, you are entitled to a 25% discount on your Council Tax bill.
No, properties occupied entirely by full-time students are exempt from Council Tax (a 100% discount). If a student lives with non-students, the student is ‘disregarded’ for Council Tax purposes, which may qualify the household for a 25% single person discount.
Yes, the Disability Reduction Scheme can reduce your Council Tax bill to the next lower valuation band (e.g., from Band D to Band C). If the property is already in Band A, the bill is reduced by one-sixth. This applies if a disabled person requires an extra room, a second bathroom, or has space for a wheelchair.
Yes, many local councils will backdate a discount if you can prove you were eligible in the past. The backdating period varies by council (often up to 3 months, but sometimes up to 6 years for specific exemptions like student status), so you should apply as soon as possible.
Yes. If you take in a lodger who is an adult (18 or over) and they make the property their main home, they are counted as a second adult. This will cancel your 25% single person discount, and you will have to pay the full Council Tax amount.