Money & bills

Paying too much council tax? Discounts and reductions you may be able to claim

Many households in England, Wales and Scotland pay more council tax than they need to because discounts are not added automatically. The main ones are the 25% single person discount, exemptions or discounts when other residents are not counted (such as full-time students), and Council Tax Reduction for people on a low income or benefits. This guide explains who may qualify and how to ask your council.

Reviewed 07/11/2026 · Applies to: England, Wales and Scotland

Who this helps

Newcomers and other residents in England, Wales or Scotland who pay council tax and want to check they are not missing a discount or reduction.

What to do

Count the adults in your home. If you are the only adult, you can normally get a 25% single person discount. In Scotland this 25% also comes off the water and wastewater charge on the bill.
Check whether anyone else in your home is 'disregarded' (not counted). This includes under-18s, full-time students, student nurses, some apprentices, people who are severely mentally impaired and some live-in carers. If everyone except you is disregarded you still get 25% off; if everyone is disregarded the discount is 50%.
If everyone in your home is a full-time student, you usually pay no council tax. For most students the course must last at least 1 year and involve at least 21 hours of study a week. If you get a bill anyway, apply to your council for an exemption.
If you are on a low income or claim benefits, apply to your council for Council Tax Reduction (sometimes called Council Tax Support). You can apply whether you rent or own, and whether you work or not. It can be up to 100% and is taken off your bill rather than paid to you.
Contact your own council to apply, as discounts are not added automatically, even for disregarded people. Have your council tax account number and details of who lives with you, your income and any benefits ready.
If you should have had a discount earlier, say so. You are entitled to the single person discount from the date the other adult moved out, even if you told the council later, and you can ask for a discount to be backdated.
If you disagree with the council's decision, complain to the council in writing first. If you are still unhappy, you may be able to appeal to a valuation tribunal.

Before you act

This applies to England, Wales and Scotland only. Northern Ireland has a different system (domestic rates), so these discounts do not apply there.
Each council runs its own Council Tax Reduction scheme, so who qualifies and how much you get depend on where you live and your household's income and circumstances. Your immigration status can also affect whether you can get it.
In Scotland, Council Tax Reduction covers the council tax charge only, so you may still have to pay some water and wastewater charges. Keep paying your current bill while you wait for a decision.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the exact rules with your council or a free adviser such as Citizens Advice.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

GOV.UK guide to who pays council tax and the single person discount ↗

Destination: www.gov.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.