Reducing the cost
Support if you’re on a low income
If you're on a low income, you may qualify for council tax support. To find out more and to apply online, use our benefits section.
Maybe you don’t have to pay council tax and can apply for an exemption
Some people don’t have to pay council tax at all, including people who are:
- Under 18
- Severely mentally impaired
- In prison or detention – except for non-payment of local tax or fines
- A school or college leaver
- A full-time student
- A student nurse
- An apprentice or youth training trainee
- Receiving care in a registered care home
- A resident of a hostel
- A member of a religious community who is dependent on the community and has no personal income
- A non-British spouse of a full-time student whose visa restricts work or claiming benefits
- 18 or 19 years old and receive child benefit
- A long-term hospital patient
- Receiving or giving care elsewhere
- A member or dependant of an international headquarters or a defence organisation
- A member or dependant of visiting forces
- Someone with diplomatic privilege or immunity
If that’s you, you MUST tell us.
Do you live by yourself?
If you're the only adult living in your property, you can apply for apply for a single person discount of 25% off your bill.
Do you have a disability, or does someone you live with?
If you or someone you live with has a disability, you may be entitled to a reduction in the amount of council tax you pay.
To qualify for a reduction, the disabled person:
- Can be an adult or a child
- Is substantially or permanently disabled
- Must live at the property
In addition, your home must have at least one of the following:
- An additional bathroom or kitchen which is required to meet the disabled person's needs
- An additional room (not a bathroom, kitchen or lavatory), which is predominantly used by the disabled person and is required to meet their needs
- Sufficient floor space for the disabled person to use a wheelchair
To get a reduction in your council tax because of disabilities, you MUST tell us. Find out more on our reduction for disabilities page.
For information on all other discounts (including annexes and the Homes for Ukraine scheme) and all other council tax support, take a look at our discounts and reductions section.