Full list of who can get 100% discount on council tax in the UK

Several groups of people could be eligible to get 100 per cent taken off their council tax bill. Under Government rules, certain people are exempt from the total cost while others can get a partial discount.

Council tax is a yearly fee you pay to your local council. The cost is set by your council and goes towards funding local services.

As well as where you live, your council tax bill will depend on the value of your home. Typically, you have to pay council tax if you’re aged 18 or over.

Full council tax is based on at least two adults living in a home. Spouses and partners who live together are jointly responsible for paying the bill.

However, not everyone is required to pay anything at all towards council tax. For example. some households will qualify for council tax reduction, which can see them given a discount of as much as 100 per cent.

Others can also get a 100 per cent reduction if they qualify as severely mentally impaired and meet some other criteria. On top of this households where every member is a full-time student do not need to pay at all.

GOV.UK explains that households where everyone’s a full-time student do not have to pay council tax. If you do get a bill, you can apply for an exemption.

To count as a full-time student, your course must:

• Last at least one year
• Involve at least 21 hours study per week

If you study for a qualification up to A-level and you’re under 20, your course must:

• Last at least three months
• Involve at least 12 hours study per week

But it’s important to remember that you’ll get a council tax bill if there’s someone in your household who’s not a full-time student, but your household might still qualify for a discount.

You might be able to apply for a discount on your council tax bill if you or someone you live with is severely mentally impaired. You’ll need to:

• Get a certificate to say you’re severely mentally impaired from a medical professional, such as your GP
• Prove your eligibility for certain benefits - check with your local council

If you qualify as severely mentally impaired you’ll get a 100 per cent discount if you qualify as severely mentally impaired and one of the following applies:

• You live on your own
• Any other adults in your household either qualify as severely mentally impaired or are full-time students

There’ll be a 50 per cent discount on the council tax bill if everyone else in your household is “disregarded”.

If you’re on a low income you can apply to your local council for council tax reduction (sometimes called council tax support).

GOV.UK says: “You could be eligible if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Your bill could be reduced by up to 100 per cent. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working.”

What you get depends on:

• 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

To check if you qualify, visit the Government website here.

Some people, such as students, are classed as "disregarded" from council tax. Other people who are disregarded from council tax include those who are:

• Under 18 years old
• On certain apprentice schemes
• Under 25 years old and get funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency
• A student nurse
• A foreign language assistant registered with the British Council
• A live-in carer for someone who is not your partner, spouse, or child under 18
• A diplomat

You need to apply for a council tax discount or an exemption, even if you’re disregarded.