Council tax single person discount: claiming it and answering a review
If you are the only adult counted as living in your home, your council tax bill can be reduced by 25%. Councils also check periodically that the discount is still right. This guide explains both sides.
Who the discount is for
Council tax assumes at least two adults live in a property. When only one adult (aged 18 or over) is counted, the bill is reduced by 25%. Some adults are 'disregarded' — for example many full-time students and certain carers — so a household can still qualify even if more than one person lives there.
The precise list of disregarded people is set nationally but applied by your own council, so check your council's website before assuming you qualify.
How to apply
You apply to your local council, usually through an online form. GOV.UK has a postcode tool that takes you to the right council page. Have your council tax account number to hand — it is printed on your bill.
If you became the only adult partway through the year, say so and give the date. Councils can often backdate the discount to when your circumstances changed, but how far back they go is up to them.
Reading a review letter
Councils regularly review single person discounts, sometimes using credit reference or electoral register data. A review letter is not an accusation; it is a check. It normally asks you to confirm who lives at the address and gives a reply-by date.
- Find the reply-by date and diarise it — not replying can lead to the discount being removed.
- Answer honestly about everyone aged 18 or over living there, including partners who stay most nights.
- If someone has moved out but is still on the electoral register, tell the council and update the register too.
- Keep a copy or screenshot of your reply.
If your circumstances change
You must tell the council when another adult moves in. If the discount is removed later, the council may bill you for the period it should not have applied, and some councils can add a penalty for not reporting a change.
Quick recap
One adult counted means 25% off. Apply to your own council, reply to review letters by the date given, and report changes promptly.
Published 13 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules can change and may differ across the UK — check the official sources below for your situation.
Sources
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