Certain UK households can receive a 100 per cent reduction on their Council Tax bill under Government rules. Some householders are completely exempt from the charge, while others may secure a partial reduction.
Council Tax is an annual levy paid to your local authority. The sum is set by your council and helps finance local services. Your bill depends on both your location and your property's value. Typically, anyone aged 18 or over must pay Council Tax.
Typical Council Tax assumes at least two adults living in a property. Couples sharing a home are jointly liable for paying the bill.
Who Is Exempt from Council Tax?
Not everyone must contribute towards Council Tax. For example, some households may be entitled to a Council Tax reduction, potentially securing a discount of up to 100 per cent. Others may also obtain a 100 per cent reduction if they're registered as severely mentally impaired and meet additional requirements. And properties where all occupants are full-time students are completely exempt from payment.
Severe Mental Impairment Discount
You may be entitled to a reduction on your Council Tax bill if you or someone you live with is severely mentally impaired. You'll need to obtain a certificate confirming severe mental impairment from a medical professional, such as your GP, and demonstrate your eligibility for certain benefits—check with your local council.
Should you qualify as severely mentally impaired, you'll receive a 100 per cent discount if one of the following applies: you live alone, or any other adults in your household either qualify as severely mentally impaired or are full-time students. A 50 per cent discount on the Council Tax bill will apply if everyone else in your household is "disregarded".
Full-Time Student Households
GOV.UK confirms that households where all residents are full-time students don't pay Council Tax. If you're billed, you can request an exemption. To qualify as a full-time student, your course must have at least 21 hours of study per week and last at least one year. If you're studying for a qualification up to A-level and you're under 20, your course must last at least three months and involve a minimum of 12 hours study per week.
Bear in mind that if someone in your household isn't a full-time student, you'll still receive a Council Tax bill, though your household could still qualify for a discount.
Council Tax Reduction for Low Income
Those on a low income can apply to their local council for Council Tax reduction (sometimes referred to as Council Tax support). GOV.UK states: "You could be eligible if you're on a low income or claim benefits. Your bill could be reduced by up to 100 per cent. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working."
Your eligibility for Council Tax discounts or exemptions hinges on several factors, including your location as each council operates its own scheme. Additional considerations include your personal circumstances such as income, number of children, benefits, and residency status. Your total household income, including savings, pensions and your partner's earnings, is also factored in, alongside whether your children reside with you and if other adults share your home. To determine your eligibility, visit the Government website.
Being 'Disregarded' for Council Tax
Certain individuals, such as students, are deemed "disregarded" for Council Tax purposes. Others who fall into this bracket include those who are under 18 years old, under 25 years old and receive funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency, on certain apprentice schemes, a student nurse, a diplomat, a foreign language assistant registered with the British Council, or a live-in carer for someone who is not your partner, spouse, or child under 18.
Bear in mind that even if you're disregarded, you must still apply for a Council Tax discount or exemption.
