Council Tax Reduction

Council Tax Reduction (also called council tax support) cuts the bill for people on a low income, by up to 100%. You apply to your council, and in England each council sets its own rules for working-age people.

Checked against official sources on 27 October 2026. Independent guide; your council decides your bill.

We can't tell you whether you'll qualify: that depends on your council's rules and your circumstances. Here's how the schemes work and where to apply.

England

Every council must run a scheme. For people over State Pension age the main rules are set nationally, so they're much the same everywhere. For working-age people each council designs its own scheme and can change it every year, so how much help you get depends on where you live. Councils can also reduce any bill at their discretion, for example in hardship.

Wales

Wales has one national scheme for pensioners and working-age people, with a maximum reduction of 100%. Councils run it and decide applications. The Welsh Government reported that over 257,000 households were helped in 2025-26, more than 218,000 of them paying nothing.

Scotland

Scotland also has a national scheme. For working-age people, savings over £16,000 normally rule you out. Households getting Council Tax Reduction can also get up to 35% off their water and sewerage charges, which the council applies automatically. Scotland still has a Second Adult Rebate for people who live with another adult on a low income.

How to apply

Apply to your council, usually online. Have details of your income, savings, rent or mortgage, and everyone who lives with you. Apply as soon as your income drops, and ask the council whether it can backdate your claim.

Every council's Council Tax Reduction page

Links to each council's own scheme page, where we have confirmed it. For others, see the council's main council tax page.

336 of 350 councils listed. All councils.

Questions

What is Council Tax Reduction?

Help with council tax for people on a low income, run by your council. It can cover up to the whole bill. It replaced Council Tax Benefit in April 2013 and is sometimes called council tax support.

Who can get Council Tax Reduction?

Owners and renters, in or out of work, can apply. What you get depends on where you live, your income and savings (including a partner's), and who lives with you. Each English council sets its own rules for working-age people.

Does Universal Credit mean I get Council Tax Reduction?

No, you have to apply to your council separately. Being on Universal Credit or another benefit often means you qualify, but the council decides.

Is Council Tax Reduction the same as the single person discount?

No. The single person discount depends only on how many adults live with you. Council Tax Reduction depends on your income, and you can get both.