Council tax bands and discounts explained
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Quick answer: Council tax is set by your local council based on your property's valuation band (A to H in England). Many people can cut their bill: a single adult gets 25% off, and full-time students and some others are exempt or discounted.
Council tax pays for local services and is one of the biggest annual household bills. How much you pay depends on your property band and your council's rates — but a long list of discounts and exemptions means many people pay too much.
How bands and bills work
Each home is placed in a valuation band based on its estimated value on 1 April 1991 (England and Scotland) or 2003 (Wales). Your council sets a charge for band D and scales the other bands up or down from it, so two identical homes in different councils can pay very different amounts.
You can challenge your band with the Valuation Office Agency if you think it is wrong — but check neighbouring homes first, because a successful challenge can move others' bands too.
Discounts and support
If you are the only adult in your home, claim the 25% single person discount. Full-time students, people who are severely mentally impaired, live-in carers and under-18s are 'disregarded' and can reduce or remove the bill.
If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, apply for Council Tax Support (also called Council Tax Reduction) through your local council. Empty and second homes may face a premium rather than a discount.
Common questions
How do I get the single person discount?
Apply through your local council if you are the only adult living in the property. The discount is 25% and is not applied automatically.
Can students avoid council tax?
A household where everyone is a full-time student is usually exempt. If you live with one non-student, the household may get a 25% discount.