What is the single person discount?

If you are the only adult living in your property, you can usually get a 25% discount on your Council Tax bill.

This discount applies regardless of your income or employment status.

Who counts as an adult for Council Tax

For Council Tax purposes, an adult is usually someone aged 18 or over who lives in the property as their main home.

However, some adults are not counted (known as being disregarded). This means you may still get the discount even if someone else lives with you.

People who are not counted

The following people are usually not counted as adults for Council Tax:

• full‑time students
• people who are severely mentally impaired (SMI)
• certain carers and care workers
• student nurses and apprentices
• youth training trainees

If the only other people living with you fall into one of these groups, you may still qualify for the 25% single person discount.

When you will not qualify

You will not qualify for the single person discount if:

• two or more counted adults live in the property
• someone moves in who is counted for Council Tax and you do not tell us

You must let us know if your circumstances change.

When the discount starts

The discount usually begins from the date:

• you became the only adult living in the property, or
• other residents stopped being counted for Council Tax purposes

Discounts are not always backdated automatically, so it’s important to apply as soon as possible.

How to apply

You can apply for a single person discount by telling us about a change in circumstances.

You will need:

• your Council Tax account number
• the date you became eligible

Apply for a single person discount

Tell us if your circumstances change

You must tell us if:

• another adult moves in
• a person who was not counted becomes counted
• you move address

Failing to report changes could result in a backdated charge or penalty. 

Report a change in circumstances

Need advice?

If you’re unsure how your property should be charged, contact the Council Tax team before making changes and we can help you understand your position.