Council tax discounts and eligibility
There are a number of different reasons why a person, or their property may be eligible for a discount on their council tax. You can find out about them all in this section.
Single person discount
If you are the only adult resident in your home, you are eligible for a 25% discount on your council tax. This should have been applied to your bill if we already know that you live alone.
You can apply for a single person discount online.
Council tax disabled band reduction scheme
Your council tax can be reduced by one band if at least one of the residents (whether child or adult) in your home is substantially and permanently disabled.
You may even be able to get a reduction if your home is in Band A. In order to qualify, you must have at least one of the following in your home:
- A room set aside to provide specific equipment for the disabled person
- An extra bathroom or kitchen for the disabled person
- A wheelchair used indoors by the disabled person.
Call us on 020 8430 2000 and ask for a claim form to apply for the disabled band reduction scheme.
People who are severely mentally impaired and some live-in carers are disregarded (not counted) when we work out council tax. Your property may also be exempt from council tax.
Discretionary council tax reduction
In some circumstances we can further reduce the amount of council tax you owe. This is on top of council tax reduction (CTR) and other discounts.
You can read our full discretionary council tax reduction policy (PDF) to find out if you may be considered for a discretionary reduction.
Section 3 of the policy includes details of what you need to do to apply for a reduction.
If you think you may qualify for the reduction, send your written application to:
Council tax and benefits service
Newham Dockside
1000 Dockside Road,
London
E16 2QU
