Council tax
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
Whether you own or rent your home, you may have to pay council tax. This section explains who has to pay, how to claim council tax benefit, if you can apply for a discount, exemption or reduction and what you should do if you fall into arrears.
What is council tax?
Find out more about council tax, who has to pay it, how much you will have to pay and help you can get if you are having difficulty paying it.
Council tax benefit
Council tax benefit is paid to help people pay their council tax. This page explains more about what it is, what it covers and who can claim it.
Council tax discounts
You may be able to get a discount on your council tax bill if you live alone or live with someone who is exempt from paying council tax. Find out more about getting a discount and who is exempt.
Council tax exemptions
In certain circumstances you may not have to pay council tax. Read more about this and how to arrange it with the council.
Reductions for disabled people
If you have a disability and your home is specially designed or adapted to meet your needs, or you need to have an extra room, you may be able to get your council tax bills reduced.
Council tax arrears
If you do not keep up to date with your council tax payments, you will find yourself with arrears. Find out more about the steps the council can take to try to collect unpaid council tax and what you can do if you are having difficulty paying.
Council tax appeals
If you think that the council has made a mistake with your council tax bill, this page tells you how you can ask the council to look at the bill again.
