Council Tax bills for the 2026/27 financial year have already begun arriving, with first payments due this month. While most households face an increase, many Brits could qualify for a discount of up to 100% under lesser-known rules.
Who Can Get a Discount?
You could cut your Council Tax bill by 25% to 100% if any of the following apply: you live alone or only with those under 18; you or someone you live with has a severe mental impairment (SMI); you are a live-in carer; you are a full-time student; you are on a low income; you get Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits; or you have a disability.
As highlighted by the Daily Record, individuals living alone can apply for the 25% Single Person Discount. Those living with children under 18 or caring for someone with a severe mental impairment may also qualify.
Exemptions from Council Tax
You will not pay Council Tax if: you are a full-time student; you are in the Armed Forces in Forces accommodation; you live in a care home or hospital; your home is unoccupied and empty for up to six months (e.g., if you've gone into hospital); or you have a severe mental impairment (e.g., dementia). If you only live with someone who has dementia, you'll be treated as a sole occupant, but you won't both be exempt.
How to Apply
Discounts and exemptions are not automatic. You must apply to your local council to receive them. For those paying by Direct Debit who find increased payments challenging, you can switch from 10 to 12 instalments by contacting your council. If you don't currently pay by Direct Debit, this can be arranged via your local authority's website, where you can choose 10 or 12 monthly payments.
