Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions: Who Pays Less
Living alone gets you 25% off. Students are exempt. There are discounts for disabled people, carers, and more. Here is who qualifies and how to claim.
Single adults get 25% off automatically. Students are completely exempt. If someone in your household has a disability that requires an extra room or bathroom, you can get a reduction. Discounts don’t apply automatically - you need to tell your council.
Council tax has various discounts and exemptions. Some apply to people, some to properties. Most need claiming - they don’t just happen automatically.
Single Person Discount (25% off)
If you’re the only adult in your home, you get 25% off your council tax. This is the most common discount.
Who counts as an adult for council tax:
- Anyone 18 or over counts, except those who are “disregarded”
People who are disregarded (don’t count as adults):
- Full-time students
- Student nurses
- Apprentices earning under £195 per week
- People with severe mental impairment
- Live-in carers (not spouse/partner caring for you)
- Under 18s
- Diplomats
If you live with only disregarded people, you’re treated as living alone and get the 25% discount.
Example: You live with a full-time student. The student is disregarded, so you’re treated as a single adult and get 25% off.
Full Exemptions (Pay Nothing)
Some properties are completely exempt from council tax:
| Situation | Exemption Details |
|---|---|
| Student households | All residents are full-time students |
| Empty property (deceased owner) | Exempt for up to 6 months after probate |
| Armed forces accommodation | Ministry of Defence properties |
| Severe mental impairment | All residents have severe mental impairment |
| Residential care | Person moved to residential care home |
| Annexes | Occupied by dependent relative aged 65+ or disabled |
Student exemptions are common. If everyone in the property is a full-time student, no council tax is due. One non-student resident means full council tax applies (though you might get single person discount).
Disability Reduction
If someone in your household has a disability, you may qualify for a reduction. This applies if your home has:
- An extra room essential for the disabled person’s needs (not a bedroom)
- An extra bathroom or kitchen for the disabled person
- Enough space for wheelchair use
The reduction moves you down one band. So if you’re in Band D, you pay Band C rates. If you’re in Band A, you get a reduction equivalent to moving down one band.
This isn’t means-tested. It doesn’t matter what your income is.
Council Tax Reduction (Low Income)
Previously called Council Tax Benefit, this helps people on low incomes. It’s now run by individual councils, so rules vary.
Typically you might qualify if:
- You’re on Universal Credit, JSA, ESA, or Income Support
- You have low income even if not on benefits
- You’re a pensioner with limited income
How much you get:
- Could be up to 100% reduction
- Usually means-tested based on income and savings
- Varies significantly by council
Apply through your council. You’ll need details of your income, savings, rent, and household.
Care Leaver Discount
People who were in local authority care and are now aged 18-24 often get council tax discounts. This varies by council - some offer 100% reduction, others offer 50%. It’s designed to help young people leaving care manage bills.
Empty Property Discounts
Councils have discretion over empty property discounts:
| Situation | Possible Discount |
|---|---|
| Empty and unfurnished | 0-100% for limited period |
| Major renovation | Some councils offer discount |
| Long-term empty (2+ years) | Could be charged up to 200% |
Policies vary hugely. Some councils charge full rate immediately an property becomes empty. Check with your specific council.
Second Home Discount
Second homes used to get 10-50% discount in many areas. This has largely been removed. Many councils now charge:
- Full rate on second homes
- Up to 100% extra (double rate) in some areas
If you have a holiday home or second property, expect to pay full whack or more.
Annexe Discount
If you have a self-contained annexe occupied by a relative (elderly parent, adult child), it may qualify for:
- 50% discount if occupied by family member
- Full exemption if occupied by dependent elderly or disabled relative
The annexe needs to be a separate dwelling for council tax purposes.
How to Claim
Discounts don’t apply automatically. You need to:
- Contact your council - Phone, email, or online form
- Provide evidence - Student certificates, disability documentation, etc.
- Wait for confirmation - They’ll adjust your bill
- Report changes - If your circumstances change, tell them
If you qualify but haven’t claimed, you can usually backdate claims. Ask your council how far back they’ll go.
What Happens If You Don’t Claim
You just pay more than you need to. Councils aren’t required to check whether you’re eligible for discounts. It’s on you to claim.
If you’ve been paying full rate for years while living alone, contact your council. They should refund you, though the backdating period has limits.
Fraudulent Claims
Don’t claim discounts you’re not entitled to. Councils do check, especially for:
- Single person discount when a partner lives with you
- Student exemption when someone’s not actually a student
- Disability reduction without genuine qualifying adaptations
Penalties can include repaying the discount plus fines.