Council Tax Discounts, Exemptions and Reductions (2026/27)
Millions of UK households are paying more council tax than they need to. Here is every discount and exemption available, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Single Person Discount
25% offIf you are the only adult living in your property, you get 25% off your council tax bill. For the average Band D property in 2026/27 (£2,392), that is a saving of £598 per year.
Around 8 million households in England claim this discount. Apply through your local council's website or by phone. It usually takes just a few minutes.
Who counts as an "adult"? People aged 18 or over count, but some categories are "disregarded" and do not count. This includes full-time students, people with severe mental impairment, apprentices, and care leavers under 25. If you live with someone who is disregarded, you may still qualify.
Backdating: Most councils will backdate the discount to when your circumstances changed. If you have been living alone for years without claiming, contact your council about backdating.
Student Exemption
100% exemptIf all residents are full-time students, the property is entirely exempt. You pay nothing.
Full-time means at least 21 hours per week of study for a course lasting at least 24 weeks. Part-time students do not qualify. Your university or college issues a certificate that you send to your council.
In a mixed household where some residents are students and some are not, the students are "disregarded." If one non-student lives with students, that person qualifies for the 25% single person discount.
Council Tax Reduction (CTR)
Up to 100% offIf you are on a low income or certain benefits, you can apply for Council Tax Reduction. The amount depends on your income, savings, household size, and which council you live in.
Pension-age: National scheme with guaranteed support levels.
Working-age: Each council runs its own scheme. Some cap the reduction at 75% or 80%, others still offer up to 100%.
Universal Credit: You still need to apply for CTR separately. Universal Credit does not include help with council tax.
Disabled Person Reduction
Drop one bandIf a disabled person lives in a property with features essential for their needs, the household may qualify for a band reduction. This drops your bill to the band below. Band A properties get a separate one-sixth discount instead.
Qualifying features: extra room used primarily by the disabled person, a second bathroom or kitchen required because of the disability, or sufficient floor space for wheelchair use.
This is not means-tested. Apply through your council with medical evidence.
Severe Mental Impairment Disregard
DisregardedThis is one of the most under-claimed council tax discounts in the UK. Hundreds of thousands of households may be missing out.
A person with severe mental impairment caused by dementia, severe learning disability, stroke, Parkinson's, or brain injury is "disregarded" for council tax.
If they live alone: The property is fully exempt.
If they live with one other person: The other person qualifies for 25% single person discount.
If two people with SMI live together: The property is fully exempt.
Requirements: a doctor's certificate confirming severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning that appears to be permanent, plus entitlement to a qualifying benefit (Attendance Allowance, DLA, PIP, or similar).
Empty Property Rules
Varies- Under 1 year empty: Some councils offer 0-50% discount. Many offer none.
- 1 to 5 years: 100% premium (double the rate).
- 5 to 10 years: 200% premium (triple).
- Over 10 years: 300% premium (quadruple).
Second Homes Premium
+100%From April 2025, councils can charge a 100% premium on second homes, doubling the bill. Many have opted in.
Applies to furnished properties that are not anyone's main residence. Limited exceptions for properties being marketed or job-related homes.
Other Disregards and Exemptions
Apprentices
Earning under £195 per week. Disregarded for council tax purposes.
Care leavers under 25
Many councils exempt or discount bills for care leavers. Policies vary.
Carers
Caring for at least 35 hours per week for someone other than spouse, partner, or child under 18.
People in hospital or care homes
Extended stays can result in disregard or property exemption.
Religious communities
Members with no personal income are disregarded.
Annexe discount (50%)
For annexes occupied by a dependent relative.
How to Apply
- Go to your local council's website and search for "council tax discounts" or "council tax exemptions".
- Most councils have online forms. Some allow you to call or visit in person.
- Provide evidence: ID, proof of address, student certificates, medical certificates, or benefit letters depending on the discount.
- The council will process your application and adjust your bill. Backdated claims may result in a refund.
Not sure which council? Search your postcode on gov.uk/find-local-council.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get 25% off my council tax?
If you are the only adult living in your property, apply for the single person discount through your local council. Around 8 million UK households claim this.
Can I get council tax reduced to zero?
Yes. All-student households are fully exempt. People on very low incomes can get up to 100% off through CTR. People with severe mental impairment living alone can be fully exempt.
What is the severe mental impairment exemption?
People with conditions like dementia, severe learning disability, or stroke are disregarded for council tax. If they live alone, the property is fully exempt. Widely under-claimed.
Do I pay extra on a second home?
From April 2025, councils can charge a 100% premium on second homes. Many have opted in. Empty properties face premiums of 100% to 300%.
Can I backdate a discount?
For single person discount, most councils backdate to when your circumstances changed. For CTR, usually limited to 3 months. For disabled reduction and SMI, backdating is often possible with evidence.