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Discounts, support and how to actually claim them

Council tax has more discounts and reductions than most bills — many go unclaimed.

Council Tax3 min readReviewed July 2026

Single-adult households get a 25% discount. If you live only with people who are 'disregarded' (students, live-in carers, some people with severe mental impairment), the discount can be higher — sometimes 50% or the entire bill.

Every council also runs a Council Tax Reduction (or Support) scheme for people on low incomes. Rules vary, but savings and disability can significantly affect entitlement. Working-age applicants may need to make a fresh claim — it isn't always automatic with Universal Credit.

If you're in arrears, ask the council specifically about Section 13A discretionary relief. It's not widely advertised, but councils can and do write off or reduce bills in cases of genuine hardship.

General information, not personalised adviceThis article is written to inform. It isn't personalised debt or legal advice, and Debt Compass is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. A team member can talk you through the options and point you to a free debt help service or authorised insolvency practitioner before you decide on anything.