Council tax rates have increased this year, but certain individuals may qualify for discounts of up to 100% on their bills. The typical Band D council tax for 2025-26 in England is £2,280. If you are facing difficulties in paying your bill, it is advisable to promptly contact your local council to explore available assistance options.
Various discounts are accessible that could potentially reduce your council tax bill to zero. For instance, households comprising solely of full-time students or those receiving Pension Credit may be eligible for discounts. Full-time students living together are exempt from council tax, provided their course lasts a minimum of one year with at least 21 study hours per week.
Individuals receiving the Guarantee Credit component of Pension Credit are entitled to a 100% discount on their council tax bill. However, this discount is not automatically applied and necessitates reaching out to the council for verification.
For individuals with low incomes or receiving benefits like Universal Credit, discounts of up to 100% on council tax bills might be attainable. Some councils may offer lesser reductions, underscoring the importance of contacting the local authority to ascertain eligibility.
Persons classified as having a “severe mental impairment” and residing alone may be exempt from paying council tax, encompassing conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and learning disabilities. A doctor’s certificate is essential to apply for the council tax reduction, with a 25% discount applicable if cohabiting with someone else.
In related news, the Government has proposed extending council tax payment periods to 12 months by default. This adjustment aims to reduce monthly payments, although the total annual council tax bill would remain unchanged. Currently, council tax bills are typically spread over ten months from April to January, avoiding payments in February and March.
While individuals can request a 12-month payment schedule, a new Government consultation, introduced in June, seeks to standardize this approach. According to data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, an average band D household could save around £38 monthly if payments were distributed over 12 months.