Council Tax Single Person Discount — 25% Off
Everything about the council tax single person discount. Learn if you qualify for 25% off, how to apply, who counts as a resident, and common mistakes.
25% Off Your Council Tax — Are You Eligible?
The council tax single person discount is one of the most claimed council tax reductions in the UK — and one of the most unclaimed. An estimated 1.3 million eligible households are missing out on 25% off their bill.
If you're the only adult in your property (or the only adult who "counts" for council tax purposes), you qualify. It's that simple.
Who Qualifies?
You qualify for the 25% single person discount if you are the only person aged 18 or over in your property who is not "disregarded" for council tax purposes.
People Who Are "Disregarded" (Don't Count)
The following people don't count as adults for council tax, even if they live with you:
- Full-time students (on courses lasting at least a year, 21+ hours/week)
- Student nurses
- Apprentices earning less than £195/week
- Youth training trainees
- People with severe mental impairment (with a medical certificate)
- Live-in carers (caring for someone who isn't their partner or child under 18)
- Diplomats and their non-British spouses
- Members of religious communities
- People in prison (except those imprisoned for non-payment of council tax or fines)
- 18 and 19-year-olds still in full-time education
🔍 Check your council tax band now — it takes 10 seconds
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Check My Band arrow_forwardHow Much Do You Save?
The discount is a flat 25% off your total council tax bill. Here's what that means for each band (based on national averages):
- Band A: Save ~£355/year (pay £1,064 instead of £1,418)
- Band B: Save ~£414/year (pay £1,241 instead of £1,655)
- Band C: Save ~£473/year (pay £1,418 instead of £1,891)
- Band D: Save ~£532/year (pay £1,596 instead of £2,128)
- Band E: Save ~£650/year (pay £1,951 instead of £2,601)
- Band F: Save ~£769/year (pay £2,306 instead of £3,074)
How to Apply
Step 1: Check You Qualify
You must be the only "counted" adult in your property. Remember that students, apprentices, and certain other groups are disregarded.
Step 2: Apply to Your Council
Contact your local council — most have an online application form. You'll typically need to declare that you're the sole qualifying resident.
Step 3: Confirm When Circumstances Change
If another qualifying adult moves in, you must notify your council and the discount will end. Failing to report changes can result in penalties.
Can I Backdate the Discount?
Yes! If you were eligible but didn't claim, you can usually backdate the discount. How far back varies by council, but many will backdate to when you first became eligible. Contact your council and explain the situation — it's worth asking.
Common Scenarios
Adult Child Moves Out
If your adult child moves out, you become the only qualifying adult — apply for the discount immediately.
Partner Goes into Care
If your partner moves into a care home, you're now the sole resident — you qualify for the discount.
Living with a Student
If you live with a full-time student (such as an adult child at university who's still registered at your address), the student is disregarded — you qualify for the discount.
Bereavement
Following the death of a partner, you qualify for the single person discount. Most councils will backdate this to the date of bereavement. You should also check if any council tax reduction applies.
🔍 Check your council tax band now — it takes 10 seconds
Compare your band with neighbours and find out if you're overpaying.
Check My Band arrow_forwardFraud and Verification
Councils actively verify single person discount claims. They may use credit reference data, electoral register information, and other public databases to check if other adults are living at your address. Fraudulently claiming the discount can result in penalties of up to £70-£280 plus repayment of the full discount amount.
Be honest — if your circumstances change, report it promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the single person council tax discount? expand_more
Anyone who is the only adult counted for council tax purposes in their property qualifies for 25% off. This includes people living alone, and people living with 'disregarded' persons such as full-time students, people with severe mental impairment, or live-in carers.
How much do I save with the single person discount? expand_more
You save 25% off your total council tax bill. On an average Band D property (£2,128/year), that's a saving of £532 per year. The discount applies to any band.
How do I apply for the single person discount? expand_more
Contact your local council — most allow you to apply online. You'll need to confirm that you're the only qualifying adult in the property. Some councils verify this periodically.