Single Person Council Tax Reduction

What is Single Person Council Tax Reduction?

Single person council tax reduction gives you a 25% discount on your council tax bill if you are the only adult living in your property.This is one of the most straightforward council tax reductions to apply for and is available to anyone who lives alone, regardless of their income, savings, or other circumstances.

How Much Can You Save?

The single person discount reduces your council tax bill by 25%:

• Full council tax: £1,500 per year
• With single person discount: £1,125 per year
• Annual savings: £375 per year
• Monthly savings: £31.25 per month

Who Qualifies for Single Person Council Tax Reduction?

You qualify for single person council tax reduction if you are the only adult (18 or over) living in your property. However, some people are 'disregarded' and don't count as adults for council tax purposes:

1. People Who Are Disregarded

The following people don't count as adults for council tax purposes:

• Full-time students: Enrolled on courses lasting at least one academic year
• Apprentices: On recognized apprenticeship schemes
• Student nurses: Studying for nursing qualifications
• Foreign language assistants: Registered with the British Council
• People with severe mental impairments: Who would otherwise be liable for council tax
• Hospital patients: In hospital for more than 52 weeks
• Care home residents: Living in care homes
• Prisoners: Detained in prison or similar institutions
• Monks and nuns: Living in monasteries or convents
• Members of religious communities: Living together and dependent on the community
• Care leavers: Aged 18-25 who were in care
• Diplomats and their families: With diplomatic immunity

2. Children Don't Count

Children under 18 don't count as adults for council tax purposes:

• Under 18s: Don't affect your single person status
• Living with children: You can still qualify for single person discount
• Multiple children: Still only counts as single person household
• Foster children: Usually don't count as adults

How to Apply for Single Person Council Tax Reduction

The application process for single person council tax reduction is straightforward:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm you are the only adult living in your property:

• Count adults: Anyone 18 or over living in your property
• Check disregarded people: See if anyone falls into disregarded categories
• Verify children: Under 18s don't count as adults
• Consider visitors: Temporary visitors don't count

2. Contact Your Local Council

Get in touch with your council to apply:

• Phone: Call your council's council tax team
• Online: Visit your council's website for online applications
• In person: Visit your council's offices
• Post: Write to your council with your details

3. Provide Your Details

You'll need to provide basic information:

• Your name and address: To identify your property
• Confirmation: That you are the only adult resident
• Council tax reference: From your council tax bill
• Contact details: Phone number or email address

4. Wait for Confirmation

After applying:

• Processing time: Usually 1-2 weeks
• Confirmation letter: You'll receive written confirmation
• Updated bill: New council tax bill showing the discount
• Backdated payments: May be able to claim for past periods

Common Scenarios and Eligibility

1. Living Alone

If you are the only adult living in your property:

• Qualify: Yes, you qualify for 25% discount
• Application: Contact your council to apply
• Documentation: Usually minimal documentation required
• Processing: Usually quick and straightforward

2. Living with Children

If you live with children under 18:

• Qualify: Yes, children don't count as adults
• Application: Same process as living alone
• Documentation: May need to confirm children's ages
• Benefits: Can also claim child-related benefits

3. Living with Students

If you live with full-time students:

• Qualify: Yes, full-time students are disregarded
• Application: Contact your council to apply
• Documentation: May need student certificates
• Verification: Council may verify student status

4. Living with Disregarded People

If you live with people who are disregarded:

• Qualify: Yes, disregarded people don't count as adults
• Application: Same process as living alone
• Documentation: May need proof of disregarded status
• Examples: Apprentices, people with severe mental impairments

What Happens When Your Circumstances Change?

You must inform your council within 21 days if your circumstances change:

1. Someone Moves In

If another adult moves in with you:

• Report changes: Inform your council within 21 days
• Discount ends: Your single person discount will stop
• New bill: You'll receive a new council tax bill
• Penalties: Failure to report can result in penalties

2. Someone Moves Out

If someone moves out and you become the only adult:

• Apply for discount: Contact your council to apply
• Backdated payments: May be able to claim from when they moved out
• Documentation: May need proof they've moved out
• Processing: Usually quick once confirmed

3. Children Turn 18

If a child in your household turns 18:

• Check status: Are they a student, apprentice, or disregarded?
• If disregarded: Your discount continues
• If not disregarded: Your discount ends
• Report changes: Inform your council of the change

Common Questions About Single Person Council Tax Reduction

Can I Get Single Person Discount if I Have Children?

Yes, children under 18 don't count as adults for council tax purposes. If you live alone with only children under 18, you can still qualify for the single person discount. The same applies if you live with children and other disregarded people.

Do Students Count for Single Person Discount?

Full-time students are 'disregarded' for council tax purposes, which means they don't count as adults. If you live with only full-time students, you can still qualify for the single person discount. You may need to provide student certificates as proof.

Can I Combine Single Person Discount with Other Reductions?

Yes, single person discount can be combined with other council tax reductions if you qualify. For example, you could get single person discount plus council tax reduction based on low income, disability, or other circumstances. The discounts are calculated separately and applied to your bill.

What Happens if I Don't Report Changes?

If you don't report changes within 21 days, you may face penalties. This could include:

• Penalty charges: Additional charges on your council tax bill
• Legal action: Council may take legal action to recover money
• Backdated charges: You may have to pay for the period you weren't entitled
• Prosecution: In serious cases, you could be prosecuted

How Long Does the Application Take?

Single person council tax reduction applications are usually processed quickly:

• Processing time: Usually 1-2 weeks
• Simple cases: May be processed immediately
• Complex cases: May take longer if verification needed
• Backdated payments: May take longer to process

Single Person Council Tax Reduction Calculator

Here's how much you can save with single person council tax reduction:

Estimated Savings by Council Tax Band

• Band A: £250-£500 per year savings
• Band B: £300-£600 per year savings
• Band C: £350-£700 per year savings
• Band D: £400-£800 per year savings
• Band E: £500-£1,000 per year savings
• Band F: £600-£1,200 per year savings
• Band G: £700-£1,400 per year savings
• Band H: £800-£1,600 per year savings

Note: These are estimates based on typical council tax rates. Actual amounts depend on your local council and specific property.

What If Your Application is Refused?

If your single person council tax reduction application is refused:

1. Check the Reason

Ask your council why the application was refused:

• Request explanation: Ask for detailed reasons in writing
• Review decision: Check if the decision is correct
• Verify information: Ensure all information provided was accurate
• Seek advice: Contact Citizens Advice for help

2. Appeal the Decision

You have the right to appeal if you disagree with the decision:

• Time limit: Usually 2 months from the decision date
• Appeal process: Contact your council to start the appeal
• Valuation Tribunal: Independent body that hears appeals
• Legal representation: You can get help from advice organizations

Getting Help with Your Single Person Application

You don't have to apply alone. Several organizations can help: