Quick eligibility check

You are more likely to qualify for Council Tax Reduction if: you receive Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit; your income is below your local council's threshold (varies by council); you have children and are on a lower income; or you have savings below £16,000.

You may also qualify for a 25% single-person discount simply by living alone — this is separate from CTR and applies regardless of income.

What you will need to apply

Most council applications ask for: your name and address, national insurance number, details of your income (including wages, benefits and any other income), details of savings and investments, and details of anyone else living in your home.

The application is usually online via your council's website and takes around 15-20 minutes.

How much could you save?

Council tax bills range from around £1,200 to over £3,000 per year depending on band and area. Even a 25% reduction saves £300-£750 per year. A 50% reduction saves £600-£1,500.

If you are eligible but not claiming, this is free money being left on the table. Apply directly to your council — there is no reason to pay a third party to help with this.