ConsumerSuit is a free self-help tool — not legal advice. It's AI-powered and can get things wrong, so check anything important before you act. England & Wales.
UK Council Tax

Are you paying too much council tax?

Millions of homes are in the wrong band, or miss a discount worth hundreds a year — and refunds are often backdated. Answer four quick questions to see what you could claim, free, with a ready-to-send letter.

No sign-up Free — keep 100% Refunds can be backdated
1How many adults (18+) live in your home?
2Does anyone there have a severe, long-term mental impairment — e.g. dementia, a severe learning disability, or after a stroke — and get a qualifying benefit (Attendance Allowance, PIP, ESA…)?
3Is the home specially adapted for a disabled resident — an extra bathroom or room used for their needs, or space to use a wheelchair indoors?
4Your band — could it be too high? (similar nearby homes are in a lower band, or you've simply never checked)

Where the money usually hides

These are the big, most-missed council tax savings — most can be backdated.

25% off
Single-person discount if you're the only adult — or if everyone else is a student, carer or "disregarded".
SMI disregard
Severe Mental Impairment (dementia, etc. + a qualifying benefit) = 25% off, sometimes 100% — backdatable for years and badly under-claimed.
Wrong band?
Homes were band-valued in a rush in 1991. A successful challenge cuts your bill and refunds the overpaid years.

The bits people get stuck on

Can challenging my band backfire?

Yes — be careful here. A formal band review can leave your band the same, lower it, or (occasionally) raise it if it was actually too low. Do the two free checks first: are similar neighbouring homes in a lower band, and was your home worth less than the band threshold back in 1991? If both point the same way, you're on solid ground.

What's the Severe Mental Impairment (SMI) disregard?

If someone living at the property is medically certified as severely mentally impaired (dementia, severe learning disability, after a stroke, etc.) and receives a qualifying benefit, they're "disregarded" for council tax. That's often a 25% reduction — or a full exemption if everyone there is disregarded — and it can be backdated for years. It's one of the most under-claimed reductions in the country.

Disabled Band Reduction — what is it?

If your home has been adapted for a disabled resident (an extra bathroom or kitchen, a room mainly used by them, or space to use a wheelchair indoors), your bill can be charged at one band lower — and band A homes get a reduction too.

On a low income or benefits?

Ask your council about Council Tax Reduction (also called Council Tax Support) — a separate, means-tested cut of up to 100%. Every council runs its own scheme, so apply directly to yours.

Do I have to pay you?

No. ConsumerSuit is free and you claim directly from your council (or the Valuation Office). Never pay a company a cut for "checking your council tax band" — it's free to do yourself.