The single person’s discount isn’t the only way to cut council tax bills, but the discounts usually aren’t automatic which could mean many people are missing out
Council tax bills are calculated based on the assumption that two adults reside in a single property, but if your living situation differs, you might be eligible for a discount. The most recognised reduction is the single person’s discount, which slashes 25% off the total cost for people living alone, but discounts can also apply to households with multiple occupants if they fall into certain categories.
Certain people are not included in the ‘two adults’ component of the council tax calculation. These people, known as ‘disregarded people’, are determined by specific aspects of their lives.
If everyone in the household is disregarded, the council tax bill could be reduced by up to 50%, but if one person isn’t disregarded, the bill could decrease by 25% instead. More information can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Age
People under the age of 18 are always disregarded for council tax bills. This can be extended to 19 if they are in full-time education or 25 if they receive funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
Studies
Full-time college or university students, student nurses, and people on certain apprenticeship schemes are considered disregarded people. However, to qualify as a disregarded person on an apprenticeship scheme, you’ll need to provide a declaration from your employer stating that you aren’t paid more than £195 per week and the training will lead to a qualification accredited by a body recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation or the Scottish Vocational Education Council.
Career
Those in the following roles are considered disregarded:
- Foreign language assistant registered with the British Council
- A live-in carer for someone who is not your partner, spouse or child under 18
- A diplomat
Disabilities and conditions
There are two significant council tax discounts for people with disabilities: the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme and the Severely Mentally Impaired discount. To be eligible for the former, you’ll need to demonstrate that your council tax bill is higher due to your disability.
This could be because you need an additional bathroom, kitchen or other room to meet your needs, or there is extra space within the property to accommodate a wheelchair. This discount reduces the council tax bill by one band, or by 17% if you’re already on the lowest council tax band, potentially saving hundreds each year.
For the Severely Mentally Impaired discount, you will need to obtain a certificate from a medical professional, such as your GP, stating that you’re severely mentally impaired and prove your eligibility for certain benefits. This can be verified with your local council via the Gov.uk website.
If you qualify for the discount and live alone, or everyone else in the house is also severely mentally impaired or full-time students, you could receive a 100% discount on council tax. If everyone else in your home is disregarded, you may get a 50% discount and if you live with someone who is not disregarded, you can get a 25% discount.