If you're caring for someone for at least 35 hours a week, you could be missing out on hundreds of pounds in Council Tax savings – but until recently, many councils weren't making this clear on their websites. The good news is that's now changed, thanks to pressure from MoneySavingExpert, which means more carers can finally access the support they're entitled to.
All 69 local councils previously identified by MoneySavingExpert for providing incorrect or misleading information regarding the Carers' Council Tax Discount have now corrected their websites. This widespread correction follows a campaign by the consumer finance website, aimed at ensuring eligible carers across the UK can access the financial support they are entitled to.
The Carers' Council Tax Discount, also known as the Carer Disregard, can slash your Council Tax bill by 25%. This happens when you're eligible to be 'disregarded' for Council Tax purposes – essentially meaning you don't count as an adult living in the property when your bill is calculated. To qualify, you must live in the same property as the person you care for, provide at least 35 hours of care per week, and not be their spouse or civil partner. The person you're caring for must also receive certain benefits, such as the middle or highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance, the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment, or Attendance Allowance.
This discount isn't just helpful – it's genuinely life-changing for many households. With Council Tax bills continuing to rise (they jumped 5.1% in April 2024 alone), every saving matters. The average Band D Council Tax bill for 2024/25 stands at £2,171, which means a 25% discount could put over £540 back in your pocket each year. For families already juggling rising energy and food costs, that's money that can make a real difference.
What's particularly frustrating is that this support has always been there – it's just that too many councils weren't explaining it properly on their websites. Whilst government support schemes like Universal Credit, the Warm Home Discount, and the Household Support Fund aim to help with cost-of-living pressures, they're only useful if you know about them and can access them easily. Citizens Advice and MoneySavingExpert consistently remind people to check their eligibility for all available benefits and discounts, as billions remain unclaimed each year.
If you think you might be eligible for the Carers' Council Tax Discount, don't wait – contact your local council directly. Each council handles applications differently, but you'll typically find the details on their website now that they've been corrected. Have your paperwork ready, including evidence of the care you provide and proof of the benefits the person you care for receives. It might feel like another form to fill out, but it's worth it for the potential savings.
This campaign shows what can happen when consumer champions hold local authorities to account. More importantly, it means carers – who already give so much of themselves looking after others – can finally access the financial relief they deserve. If you're caring for someone, you shouldn't have to struggle financially too.