Council Tax Single Person Discount

Description

A simple, nationwide 25% discount on Council Tax for anyone who is the only adult (18+) living in their home as their main residence, or who lives with other adults who all count as 'disregarded' (e.g. full-time students). Extremely commonly missed — for example when a partner moves out, an adult child leaves home, or a household member dies and the remaining resident doesn't proactively notify the council that they're now living alone.

Eligibility summary

• Available in: England, Scotland, Wales.
• Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.

Notes

Not means-tested — available regardless of income or savings, unlike Council Tax Reduction (covered separately per nation in this directory), which this discount can be claimed alongside. You cannot claim it for a second home, and a household member who has moved out only temporarily (e.g. working away, an extended holiday) does not count as having left for this purpose. Northern Ireland has no direct equivalent — it uses a rates system rather than Council Tax, and its only comparable discount is the much narrower, age-restricted Lone Pensioner Allowance (see separate entry), which only helps single-occupant pensioners aged 70+, not sole occupants generally.

Requirement

You are the only person aged 18 or over living in the property as your sole or main residence, or every other adult in the household is 'disregarded' for Council Tax purposes (e.g. full-time students, some carers, people who are severely mentally impaired).