Council Tax is a local charge that helps fund essential public services such as the police, fire services, rubbish collection, road maintenance and street lighting.
Who has to pay?
You usually need to pay Council Tax if you are aged 18 or over. A full bill is based on at least two adults living in a property. If you live with a partner or spouse, you are jointly responsible for paying the bill.
Who may not be counted (disregarded)?
Some people are not counted when councils calculate how many adults live in a property, which may reduce the amount you need to pay. Examples include:
people under 18
full-time students
certain apprentices
people aged 18–19 in full-time education
people with severe mental impairment
live-in carers (not caring for a partner or child under 18)
Help with Council Tax
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to reduce or avoid paying Council Tax. You might qualify for:
discounts (for example, if you live alone)
exemptions in certain situations
Council Tax Reduction (CTR) if you are on a low income
If you cannot access much CTR, your council may offer other support based on your situation. Contact your local council if you’re unsure about whether you can get a discount or who’s responsible for paying.
Discounts and exemptions
You may be entitled to:
a 50% discount if everyone in your household is disregarded
a 25% discount if you live alone or other household members are disregarded
You must apply for any discount or exemption through your local council, as it is not usually applied automatically.
Payments
Council Tax bills are usually issued in April. They are typically paid over 10 monthly instalments, but you can request payment over 12 months. Some councils may also allow weekly or fortnightly payments.
If you miss payments
If you miss a payment, you will fall into arrears, which means you owe money to the council. It is important to contact your council as soon as possible to avoid additional charges, court action or enforcement.
More information
https://www.gov.uk/browse/housing-local-services/council-tax
If you need advice or want to check your eligibility, our helplines are available Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/LT/EN: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/RU/EN: 07718612218
This is in line with the information available as of 29/05/2026