Ways to reduce your bill
Council Tax discounts and exemptions are available in some cases depending on the type of property or who lives in it. If you’re on a low income, you may qualify for Council Tax Reduction.
You can get extra help to pay your bill if you’re on a low income
You may qualify for Council Tax Reduction if your household is on a low income or you claim benefits.
More information on Council Tax Reduction.
You could get a Council Tax discount if:
- you're the only person aged 18 or over in your home
- you live with people we don’t count for Council Tax
- you’re a foster carer registered with Southwark
- you have an annexe that family member or main house resident lives in
- your property is empty or a second home
- you're a Southwark care leaver
You could get a discount if you or anyone in your home has a disability
You can apply for a band reduction if your home is adapted for a disabled person.
More information on disabled person discounts.
Some unoccupied properties are exempt from Council Tax
This means you don't have to pay Council Tax.
Find out more about exemptions for empty properties.
Some properties are exempt from Council Tax even when people are living there
This means you don't have to pay Council Tax. This depends on who lives in the property.
Find out more about exemptions for occupied properties.
If you’re a student
If you’re a student or there’s a student living in your home, you could get a Council Tax discount or exemption.
Find out more about student discounts and exemptions.
Discretionary relief
We can reduce your bill if paying your Council Tax would put you into extreme financial hardship. To find out more, download our discretionary relief policy (PDF, 217kb)..
You must continue to make your payments
While you’re waiting for the outcome of your application, you must continue to pay Council Tax in line with your current bill. If we award a discount, exemption or reduction we'll issue another bill and new payment instructions. This will take account of any payments you've already made.
Page last updated: 28 March 2024