Seven groups of people could get Council Tax discount | Personal Finance | Finance
Brits could be eligible for either a full or partial discount on an annual bill. You may qualify for reduced Council Tax if you fit one of seven criteria.
Council Tax bills for the 2026/27 financial year have now started with first payments due this month.
Most households will see an increase to their annual bill this year, however, there are several groups of people who may be able to cut their payments by up to 100% under little-known discount rules.
As reported by the Daily Record, people living on their own can claim the 25% Single Person Discount, those living with children under 18, or caring for someone with a severe mental impairment, can also claim a reduction.
Full-time students, people with a disability, or those on a low income or means-tested benefits including Universal Credit or Pension Credit should also check if they are entitled to a discount.
People paying by Direct Debit struggling with the increase in payments can also switch from paying in 10 instalments to 12, just contact your local council and request the change.
If you don’t already pay by Direct Debit, you can set this up on the local authority website where it also gives you the option to pay in 10 or 12 monthly instalments.
Here’s what you need to know.
Are you eligible for a Council Tax discount?
You could cut your Council Tax bill from between 25 and 100% if any of the following apply:
Are you exempt from paying Council Tax?
You will not pay Council Tax if:
- You are a full-time student
- You are in the Armed Forces in Forces accommodation
- You live in a care home or hospital
- Your home is unoccupied and empty (up to six months) – for example, if you’ve gone into hospital
- You have a severe mental impairment (e.g. dementia) – if you only live with someone who has dementia, then you’ll be treated as a sole occupant as they will be disregarded, but you won’t both be exempt
However, it is important to note that these discounts are not automatic and you must apply to your local council to get them.
