gov.uk discount & exemption rules · guidance not a decision

Am I owed a council tax discount?

Far more homes qualify for a discount than have a wrong band — and most people never claim. Answer a few questions and we'll show what you may be owed, an estimated saving, and exactly where to apply. Your council decides eligibility; this is guidance, not a decision.

Postcode (optional) Your band (optional)

Who lives in the property as their main home? Does someone living there have a severe mental impairment (e.g. dementia, a stroke, a severe learning disability)? Does a disabled person living there need an extra room, an extra bathroom or kitchen, or enough indoor space to use a wheelchair? Is the household on a low income or receiving benefits?

Check your band free →

01 Discounts vs your band — two different things

A discount is about who lives there. Your band is about the property

Discounts and exemptions depend on who lives in the home and their circumstances — decided by your council. Your band depends on what the property was worth in 1991 — decided by the Valuation Office (HMRC). Different test, different body, different form. The one place they meet is the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme: if a disabled occupant needs extra space, the home is charged at the band below — the same outcome as winning a band appeal, but on the occupant's needs, not the property's value. Severe Mental Impairment (SMI) is a powerful disregard, but it needs both a doctor's certificate and a qualifying benefit — we flag that wherever it applies. For a low income, Council Tax Reduction is means-tested and run differently by every council, so we signpost it rather than estimate it.

02 Go deeper

Follow the thread

Is my band too high? A 10-second gut-check on your band What could you reclaim? Backdated refund if your band was wrong Where does it go? How your bill splits across services

Discount & exemption rules from gov.uk (Apply for Council Tax discount · Discounts for disabled people) and the Scottish/Welsh equivalents, as of 2026-06-05. Savings are estimates off the area band charge. Guidance only — your council decides eligibility.