Check whether you may be eligible for a reduction in your Council Tax bill. Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is administered by your local council and can reduce your bill by up to 100%.
| Discount / Exemption | Reduction |
|---|---|
| Single person living alone | 25% |
| All occupants are full-time students | 100% exempt |
| Severely mentally impaired (alone or with students) | 100% exempt |
| Property empty and unfurnished (first 1-2 months) | Up to 100% |
| Property adapted for a disabled person | Band reduction |
| Diplomatic immunity | 100% exempt |
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Council Tax Reduction (CTR), formerly known as Council Tax Benefit, is a means-tested discount on your Council Tax bill. It is administered by your local council, so the exact rules and maximum reduction vary depending on where you live.
Since 2013, working-age CTR schemes have been set by individual councils. This means the rules differ significantly across England. Pension-age CTR is still set nationally and can reduce your bill to zero if you receive Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).
If you receive Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) you are automatically entitled to maximum CTR — your Council Tax bill could be reduced to zero. Similarly, if you receive certain income-related benefits you may receive a significant reduction.
Apply directly to your local council — either online, by phone or in person. You will need to provide details of your income, savings, benefits and household circumstances. You can often apply at the same time as claiming Universal Credit.
If you live with another adult who is not your partner and they are on a low income, you may be able to claim a Second Adult Rebate — a discount of between 7.5% and 25% depending on the second adult's income.
Most councils will backdate CTR by up to 1 month for working-age claimants, and up to 3 months for pension-age claimants. Always apply as soon as possible to avoid losing out.