Residents across England, Scotland and Wales could qualify for a  Council Tax Reduction (CTR) of up to 100%, subject to meeting specific eligibility requirements. While the exact discount varies between local authorities, a range of factors are typically taken into account.

According to the UK Government, applications for the reduction are open to homeowners and tenants alike, regardless of employment status. Local authorities will assess individual circumstances, including income levels, number of dependants, residency status and any benefits claimed, in addition to the following considerations:

• Where you live – each council runs its own scheme
• Your circumstances (for example, income, number of children, benefits, residency status)
• Your household income – this includes savings, pensions and your partner’s income
• If your children live with you
• If other adults live with you

Official advice from GOV.UK explains: “You’ll get a discount on your bill if you’re eligible.” It also adds: “There’s a different scheme in Northern Ireland. You could be eligible if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Your bill could be reduced by up to 100%. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working.”

The amount of Council Tax payable depends primarily on your property’s tax band. This valuation is determined by the price the property would have commanded on the open market on April 1, 1991, in England and Scotland, and on April 1, 2003, in Wales.

Excluding any discounts, the following bands apply in England:

Band value on April 1, 1991

• A: up to £40,000
• B: £40,001 to £52,000
• C: £52,001 to £68,000
• D: £68,001 to £88,000
• E: £88,001 to £120,000
• F: £120,001 to £160,000
• G: £160,001 to £320,000
• H: more than £320,000

And for Wales, this criterion applies:

Band value on April 1, 2003

• A: up to £44,000
• B: £44,001 to £65,000
• C: £65,001 to £91,000
• D: £91,001 to £123,000
• E: £123,001 to £162,000
• F: £162,001 to £223,000
• G: £223,001 to £324,000
• H: £324,001 to £424,000
• I: more than £424,000

Whilst certain people may automatically receive a reduction on their bill, others might need to get in touch with their local authority to confirm it. You can check your eligibility for CTR using the Government’s postcode search tool available here.

Additional guidance from Citizens Advice adds: “If you’re the only adult in your home, you’ll get a 25% discount on your council tax bill. When working out how many people live in a property, some people aren’t counted – they’re called ‘disregarded people’.

“If everyone who lives in the property is disregarded there’s still a council tax bill, but it will have a 50% discount. If everyone in your home is a student or severely mentally impaired, you won’t pay any council tax.

“If you’re entitled to a discount because someone has moved out, tell the council. You’re entitled to the discount from when the person moved out, even if you told the council later.”