Understanding Council Tax Discounts: Find Out if You're Eligible

With household costs rising, it's worth checking whether you're getting all the Council Tax discounts you're entitled to. Many people qualify for reductions based on who lives in the property or personal circumstances, yet they often go unclaimed. This guide outlines the key discounts and how to find out if you're eligible.

Who Can Get a Council Tax Discount?

Council Tax in the UK is based on the assumption that at least two adults live in a property. If that isn't the case (or if someone in the household meets certain criteria), you may be eligible for a Council Tax discount or, in some cases, a full exemption.

Because each council oversees its own scheme, the exact rules can vary slightly by location. But the core discount categories are the same across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Single Person Discount

If you're the only adult living in your home, you should be entitled to a 25% single person discount. Importantly, this applies even if other people live with you but aren't "counted" as adults for Council Tax purposes (more on that below).

Who Isn't Counted as an Adult for Council Tax Purposes?

Some people aren't counted as adults or classed as “disregarded” when the council works out your bill. If everyone else in your home falls into one of the below categories, you may still qualify for the 25% discount and, in some situations, a 50% discount or full exemption.

Disregarded adults can include:

• Full-time students
• Apprentices on low earnings
• People under 18
• Live-in carers (meeting certain criteria)
• People with severe mental impairments
• Some care leavers and youth trainees

If a property is occupied solely by full-time students, it's usually exempt from Council Tax entirely.

Disability Reduction Scheme and Long-Term Care Situations

If someone in your household has a permanent disability, or a resident has moved into long-term care, you may be entitled to additional Council Tax support.

Disability Reduction Scheme

You could qualify for a Council Tax reduction if your home has been adapted to meet the needs of a disabled person. This reduction typically lowers your bill by one valuation band (and can still apply even if you're already in Band A).

Adaptations might include:

• an extra room used for medical equipment or care,
• an additional bathroom,
• widened doorways, ramps, or wheelchair access,
• space for a mobility aid or essential equipment.

Long-Term Hospital or Care Home Stays

If someone has permanently moved into a care home, hospital, or hospice and is unlikely to return, they may no longer be counted when the council works out your bill.

In many cases, this can lead to a discount or exemption, depending on who remains in the property. For example, if their departure leaves you as the only counted adult in the home, you may become eligible for the 25% single person discount or other reductions.

Empty or Unoccupied Properties

Some councils offer Council Tax discounts for homes that are empty or undergoing significant repair work. For example, you may be able to claim a reduction if a property is temporarily uninhabitable due to major renovation, if it has recently been vacated, or if it's completely unfurnished for a short period.

That said, rules for empty properties vary far more from one council to another than other forms of Council Tax discount. In fact, rather than offering a reduction, some councils impose additional charges on properties left empty for long periods. Because of these differences, it's always best to check the specific policy on your local council's website before making any assumptions.

How to Find Out If You're Eligible

1. Check who counts as an adult in your home. Students, certain carers, people with severe mental impairments, and under-18s may be “disregarded”.
2. Review your household circumstances. Disability, care needs, or a change in who lives in the property can all affect eligibility.
3. Visit your local council's website. Each council explains its discount rules and how to apply.
4. Keep them updated. Councils can backdate reductions in some cases, but you should report changes promptly to avoid overpayments or delays.
5. Get professional support if you're unsure. A tax specialist can help you understand your options and ensure you're not missing out.

Council Tax isn't a bill you can avoid, but you can make sure you're only paying what you genuinely owe. Living alone, supporting a student, caring for a relative or adapting your home for a disability are all situations that could qualify you for a Council Tax discount or reduction.

If you're unsure where to start, our personal tax specialists can review your circumstances and help ensure you're claiming the reliefs available to you. Please get in touch to speak with one of our skilled advisers to find out more.