Council Tax discounts and reductions: what exists and how to claim
Published · 4 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Council Tax bills can be lower if you live alone, if some people in the home are not counted, or if your income is low. This guide explains the main discounts, the disabled band reduction and Council Tax Reduction.
Who this guide is for
This is general information for people who pay Council Tax in the UK. It is not advice for your own situation. Northern Ireland is not covered here: GOV.UK says it has a different Council Tax Reduction scheme, which it links to separately.
The details below were checked on GOV.UK on 11 October 2026. Councils set the rates, so the pounds you pay depend on where you live and your band.
How a bill is worked out
GOV.UK says a bill depends on three things: your home's valuation band, the amount your council charges for that band, and whether you qualify for a discount or exemption. In England and Wales you can look up your band on GOV.UK. In Scotland, bands are checked through the Scottish Assessors website.
Discounts based on who lives in the home
A full bill assumes at least two adults live in the home. Some people are not counted, which GOV.UK calls being disregarded. Two discounts follow from this.
- 25% off if you pay Council Tax and either you live on your own, or everyone else in the home is disregarded.
- 50% off if everyone in the home is disregarded.
People who can be disregarded include under 18s, full-time students, 18 and 19 year olds in full-time education, student nurses and some apprentices. GOV.UK also lists live-in carers for someone who is not their partner, spouse or child under 18, and people who are severely mentally impaired.
You must apply
GOV.UK says you must apply for a discount or exemption even if you are disregarded. If you get a discount by mistake, it says you should contact your council, because you could be fined and asked to repay the discount.
Severely mentally impaired people
A person who is severely mentally impaired needs a certificate from a medical professional, such as a GP, and must show they are eligible for certain benefits. Your council can confirm which benefits count. Someone who qualifies and lives alone, or only with other adults who are severely mentally impaired or full-time students, can get a 100% discount.
The Disabled Band Reduction Scheme
Some homes are larger than they would need to be if nobody in them were disabled. In that case the bill can drop to the next lowest band, so a Band D home would pay the Band C rate. Band A homes get a 17% discount instead. The home must be the main home of at least one disabled person, who can be an adult or a child. You need to show an extra bathroom, kitchen or other room needed for the disabled person, or extra indoor space for using a wheelchair.
Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax Reduction is for people on a low income or who get benefits. GOV.UK says it can reduce a bill by up to 100%. It is a separate thing from a discount. It looks at your household income, which includes savings, pensions and a partner's income, as well as children and other adults in the home. It was once called Council Tax Benefit.
- Each council runs its own scheme, so the help you get can vary by area.
- You apply through your local council.
- You can apply whether you own your home, rent, or work.
The council that runs your scheme can say how it treats a discount and a reduction together.
If you think your band is wrong
GOV.UK says you can challenge your band if you think the home is in the wrong valuation band. You will need evidence. England and Wales use the same online service. Scotland uses a separate system through the Scottish Assessors.
Free help
If paying is hard, free and impartial help is available from Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper.
Check before you act
Rules and local schemes change. It is worth confirming everything on the official pages linked below, and with your own council, before relying on this guide.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
