Council tax is an annual payment sent out to all eligible households that goes to your local area’s council. The cost covers the services that your council provides such as bin collections, parks, libraries, and road maintenance. The tax follows the financial year, beginning in April and lasting until the following March.
For many households struggling with finances and low income, council tax can be an added unwanted financial stress. However, there are a range of council tax discounts and exemptions available based on different circumstances. In this article, we will take a look at the Single Person Council Tax Discount, and other discounts that can help you reduce the cost of your tax.
How Much is Council Tax?
Your council tax is set according to council tax bands which are based on the value of your property at a specific time. These bands vary depending on which local council you belong to, you can check your local council and how much you need to pay here:
England: https://www.gov.uk/pay-council-tax
Scotland: https://www.cosla.gov.uk/councils
Wales: https://www.gov.wales/find-your-local-authority
Single Person Discount Eligibility Criteria
A Single Person Discount on your council tax can reduce your bill by a significant 25%. However, there are several rules and requirements to be able to qualify for this discount.
To get the discount, you have to be one of the following:
- An adult living alone
- The only person over 18 living in your home
- The only person over 18 who is counted for council tax in your home*
- The following people are not counted for council tax: under 18-year-olds, 18 or 19-year-olds in full-time education, full-time students at college or university, individuals on certain apprenticeship schemes, under 25-year-olds who receive funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency, student nurses, foreign language assistants registered with the British Council, severely mentally impaired individuals (SMIs), live in carers for someone who is NOT your partner, spouse, or child under 18.
You need to apply for the Single Person Discount as it is not automatically applied.
Other Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
Aside from the Single Person Discount, there are many other discounts and exemptions available for different circumstances.
You may be eligible for a 25% discount if your situation is one of the following:
- You are an eligible adult who is living alone or only with under-18s (single person discount).
- Your household contains one eligible adult and a live in carer(s)
- Your household contains one eligible adult and a student(s)
- Your house contains one eligible adult and a SMI adult(s)
- Your household contains one eligible adult, a SMI adult(s) and a live-in carer(s)
- Your household contains one eligible adult, a SMI adult (s) and a student(s)
There are also reductions that can get you 50% off your council tax bill:
- 50% discount if the household contains SMI adult(s) and live-in carer(s)
- If the household contains SMI adult(s), student(s), and live-in carer(s)
The following households do not need to pay any council tax:
- Student (living alone or only with under-18 year olds)
- All students
- SMI adult (living alone or only with under 18 year olds)
- SMI adult(s) and student(s)
- All SMI adults
Please note that your council tax discounts are not automatically applied, you need to apply for each discount!
Council Tax Single Person Discount FAQs
How much is council tax single person discount?
The single-person council tax discount is 25% off your bill if eligible.
How to apply for single person discount council tax?
You can apply for the single person council tax discount via your local council’s website.
To find your local council and apply for discounts, visit:
England/ Wales: https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction
Scotland: https://www.mygov.scot/council-tax/discounts-exemptions-and-reductions
Do pensioners get a discount on council tax?
Pensioners pay council tax, but they may be able to get a discount if they or their partner fit one of the following criteria:
- They are receiving income support.
- They are receiving income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- They are receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
Please remember that council tax discounts are not automatically applied, you must apply for the reduction.
How do I apply for council tax discount?
You can apply for the council tax discount on your local government’s website.
To find apply for discounts, visit:
England/ Wales: https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction
Scotland: https://www.mygov.scot/council-tax/discounts-exemptions-and-reductions
Can I get council tax discount?
- If your household contains two or more qualifying adults in a household then no discount is applied.
- If there is only one council tax qualifying adult in your household then you may be eligible for a 25% discount on your bill.
- If there are no qualifying in a household, you may be eligible for a 50% or 100% discount, depending on who lives in the household*.
- The following people are not counted as qualifying adults for council tax: under 18-year-olds, 18 or 19-year-olds in full-time education, full-time students at college or university, individuals on certain apprenticeship schemes, under 25-year-olds who receive funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency, student nurses, foreign language assistants registered with the British Council, severely mentally impaired individuals (SMIs), live in carers for someone who is NOT your partner, spouse, or child under 18.