Last updated: 4 November 2026. General information for the 2026/27 council tax year (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027).
Council tax is one of the biggest bills most households pay, and it goes up most Aprils. If you’re on a low income, claiming benefits or living alone, you might be paying more than you need to. Council Tax Reduction can cut your bill, and GOV.UK says it can be by up to 100%.
This guide explains who can claim, the other discounts worth checking, and how to apply.
What is Council Tax Reduction?
Council Tax Reduction (sometimes called Council Tax Support) is help from your council to pay your council tax if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. You can claim whether you rent or own your home, and whether you’re working or not.
The important thing to know: each council runs its own scheme. So how much you get depends on where you live, as well as your circumstances.
Who can get Council Tax Reduction?
According to GOV.UK, what you get depends on:
- Where you live (each council sets its own rules)
- Your income, including savings, pensions and your partner’s income
- Your circumstances, such as whether you have children, receive benefits or have a disability
- Whether other adults live with you
- Your residency status
You’re more likely to qualify if you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other means-tested benefits, or if you’re on a low income.
Pension age: if you’ve reached State Pension age, a national set of rules applies in England, and people on the guarantee part of Pension Credit can often get their bill reduced to zero.
How to apply
- Find your council using the postcode search on GOV.UK.
- Look for “Council Tax Reduction” or “Council Tax Support” on its website.
- Apply online (most councils), by phone or by post.
- Have evidence ready: payslips, benefit letters, bank statements, details of anyone else living with you.
- Tell the council about changes in your income or household.
Tip: if you’ve just applied for Universal Credit, apply for Council Tax Reduction at the same time. It isn’t automatic.
Can you get it if you work?
Yes. Council Tax Reduction isn’t only for people who are out of work. If you’re on a low wage, work part-time, or your hours have been cut, you may still qualify. Councils look at your income and savings, not whether you have a job.
Things that can affect it:
- Savings: in many schemes, savings over £16,000 mean you can’t get help (unless you get the guarantee part of Pension Credit). Smaller amounts can reduce what you get. Check your council’s rules
- Other adults in your home: if a grown-up son or daughter or another adult lives with you, the council may expect them to contribute, which can reduce your award
- Disability benefits: some councils ignore certain disability benefits as income, or give extra help
Scotland and Wales
- Scotland has a national Council Tax Reduction scheme, so the rules are the same across every council. Apply to your local council.
- Wales also has a national Council Tax Reduction Scheme, with the same core rules everywhere.
- Northern Ireland doesn’t have council tax. It uses domestic rates, with help through the Rate Relief scheme and Housing Benefit for rates.
If you disagree with a decision
If your council turns you down, or awards less than you expected:
- Ask the council to explain how it worked out your award.
- Ask it to look again in writing (usually within a set time, often one month in England).
- If you’re still unhappy in England, you can usually appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, which is free. Scotland and Wales have their own review and appeal routes.
Citizens Advice can help you check a decision and write to the council.
Other council tax discounts to check
Even if you don’t qualify for Council Tax Reduction, you might get one of these:
| Discount | Who it’s for | How much |
|---|---|---|
| Single person discount | You’re the only adult (18+) in your home | 25% off |
| Disregarded people | Some adults aren’t counted, such as full-time students, apprentices and carers | Can bring a 25% or full discount |
| Students | Homes where everyone is a full-time student | Usually exempt |
| Disability Reduction Scheme | Your home has been adapted for a disabled person (for example, an extra bathroom or wheelchair space) | Bill charged at one band lower |
| Severe mental impairment | Someone with a severe mental impairment who meets the criteria | Can be disregarded |
| Empty or second homes | Varies by council | Varies |
My council tax discount calculator can help you see what you might be entitled to.
Check your council tax band
If you think your home is in the wrong band, you can check your band and your neighbours’ on GOV.UK and challenge it with the Valuation Office Agency (in England and Wales). Be careful: a review can move your band up as well as down, so check similar homes nearby first.
If you’re behind on council tax
Council tax is a priority debt. GOV.UK says that if you miss a payment and don’t pay within 7 days of a reminder, you can lose the right to pay in instalments, and the whole year’s bill can become due.
If you’re struggling:
- Contact your council straight away
- Ask to spread payments over 12 months instead of 10
- Apply for Council Tax Reduction and any discounts
- Ask about hardship funds: many councils have one
My guide to council tax arrears explains what to do step by step, and priority vs non-priority debts explains why council tax comes first.
Council Tax Reduction: people also ask
Who qualifies for Council Tax Reduction?
People on a low income or who claim benefits may qualify, whether they rent or own and whether they work or not. Each council runs its own scheme, so the rules and amount depend on where you live.
How much can Council Tax Reduction be?
Up to 100% of your bill, depending on your council’s scheme and your circumstances.
Is Council Tax Reduction automatic with Universal Credit?
No. You usually need to apply to your council separately. Apply as soon as you claim Universal Credit.
Can I get a council tax discount if I live alone?
Yes. If you’re the only adult in your home, you can usually get a 25% single person discount. Apply to your council.
Can I backdate Council Tax Reduction?
Some councils allow backdating if you had a good reason for not applying sooner. Ask your council.
Summary
- Council Tax Reduction can cut your bill by up to 100% if you’re on a low income or claim benefits.
- Each council runs its own scheme: apply directly to yours.
- Also check the 25% single person discount and other discounts.
- Contact your council early if you’re falling behind.
Next step: try the council tax discount calculator, or see my free money help guide for other support.
General information only. Each council’s scheme is different.
Sources (checked 4 November 2026): GOV.UK: Council Tax Reduction · GOV.UK: council tax discounts · GOV.UK: council tax arrears · GOV.UK: check your council tax band