Council Tax Discounts You Could Be Missing in 2026 – May 2026
You could be paying too much council tax. Thousands of households across England and Wales are missing out on legitimate discounts and exemptions worth hundreds of pounds each year.
The 25% Single Person Discount
The most common discount is the 25% single person discount. You qualify if you’re the only adult living in your property (aged 18 or over).
Who Counts as an Adult?
- Anyone aged 18 or over
- Full-time students don’t count
- Apprentices don’t count
- People with severe mental disabilities don’t count
- Care workers living in don’t count
Council Tax Support (Previously Council Tax Benefit)
Council Tax Support can reduce your bill by up to 100%. Each council runs its own scheme, but generally you may qualify if you:
- Receive Universal Credit, JSA, ESA, or Income Support
- Have low income and savings under £16,000
- Are a pensioner with limited income
- Have children and low household income
Working Tax Credit Recipients
Even if you’re working, you might still qualify for Council Tax Support if you receive Working Tax Credits or have a low income.
Disability Reductions
Disabled Band Reduction Scheme
If your home has been adapted for a disabled person, you may get a reduction equivalent to dropping one council tax band. This applies if you have:
- An extra bathroom or kitchen for the disabled person
- Extra space for wheelchair use
- A room mainly used by the disabled person
Severe Mental Impairment Discount
People with severe mental impairment (including dementia) are “disregarded” for council tax purposes, potentially giving you:
- 25% discount if one adult has severe mental impairment
- 100% discount if all adults have severe mental impairment
Student Exemptions and Discounts
All Student Households
If everyone in your property is a full-time student, you don’t pay council tax at all.
Mixed Households
If some residents are students and others aren’t, the students are “disregarded” when calculating discounts.
Other Common Discounts
Care Workers
Live-in care workers providing care for someone who isn’t their partner are disregarded for council tax.
Armed Forces Personnel
Members of the armed forces may qualify for various exemptions and discounts.
Diplomatic Staff
Certain diplomatic personnel and their staff may be exempt from council tax.
Empty Property Discounts and Exemptions
Class C – Empty Properties
Empty and unfurnished properties may qualify for up to 100% discount for the first month, then often 25% discount thereafter (varies by council).
Class F – Properties Needing Major Repairs
Properties requiring or undergoing major structural repairs may be exempt for up to 12 months.
How to Apply for Discounts
Contact Your Council
Each council handles applications differently, but generally you can:
- Apply online through your council’s website
- Phone their council tax department
- Visit in person
- Apply by post
What Information You’ll Need
- Council tax reference number
- Proof of income and benefits
- Bank statements
- Proof of circumstances (student certificates, medical evidence, etc.)
Backdated Claims
If you’ve been entitled to a discount but haven’t been receiving it, you can often claim backdated refunds. How far back depends on:
- The type of discount
- When your circumstances changed
- Your council’s policy
What to Do Next
Check if you’re missing out on council tax discounts:
- Review your current council tax bill
- Check if any discounts apply to your situation
- Contact your council’s council tax department
- Ask about backdated claims if you think you’ve missed out
- Keep records of all applications and correspondence
Don’t assume you don’t qualify – many people are surprised to discover they’re entitled to significant reductions in their council tax bill.
Get Expert Council Tax Help
If you’re dealing with council tax problems, you don’t have to handle them alone. Our experienced council tax advisors can help you understand your options and take the right steps.
Contact us today for confidential advice about your council tax situation. We’ve helped thousands of people resolve their council tax issues and we can help you too.