Carer Council Tax Discount Confusion Could Be Costing People Money
If you are an unpaid carer, you may be paying more Council Tax than you need to. That is because the carer council tax discount is not always explained clearly online. In some areas, the information has even been wrong.
In January 2026, MoneySavingExpert reported that a spot check found at least 69 councils in England and Wales had web pages that incorrectly suggested fewer people qualify for the live-in carer discount than is actually the case. Carers UK responded to the same investigation and warned that around one in five councils may be giving incorrect eligibility information on their websites.
For carers already under financial pressure, that kind of confusion can mean one thing: missing out.
What is the live-in carer Council Tax discount?
The discount is designed to reduce Council Tax bills when a carer lives with, and provides care for, someone who needs support.
In many cases, the carer can be “disregarded” for Council Tax purposes. That can reduce the amount a household pays. However, the rules depend on your situation. They can also vary across the UK.
Carers UK explains the different Council Tax discounts and exemptions that carers may be able to claim, depending on their circumstances. In Wales, the government also sets out guidance for carers and explains that you should contact your local authority if you think you may qualify.
Why this confusion matters
Many carers will not apply if they feel unsure. Others will read a council page, assume it is correct, and stop there.
That is the real risk.
If eligibility criteria are misdescribed or hard to understand, carers may assume they do not qualify when they actually do. Over time, that can add up to a meaningful amount of money.
In some cases, carers may also be able to ask whether a reduction can be backdated. That is why it is worth checking, even if you have never applied before.
Who should check?
It is worth checking if you:
live with the person you care for
provide regular care and support in the home
are facing financial pressure and need to reduce household costs
Even if you are not sure you qualify, checking is still useful. You are not wasting anyone’s time. You are asking a fair question about a discount that exists for a reason.
What carers can do next
If you think you might qualify for a carer council tax discount, here are simple steps to take:
Check your local council website
Look specifically for “carer discount”, “live-in carer”, or “carer disregard”.Compare what you read with trusted guidance
If the wording feels confusing, do not assume you are the problem. Some pages have been wrong.Contact your council Council Tax team
Ask one direct question: “Do I qualify for the live-in carer discount, and can it be backdated?”Ask about a backdated reduction or refund
If you have been eligible for a while, it is reasonable to ask whether a refund is possible.Get support if you need it
Local carers’ services and advice organisations can help you understand what to ask and what evidence might be needed. Carers UK also provides guidance on Council Tax help.
Clear information should not be a barrier
Carers already do a lot. They should not lose out because guidance is unclear, inconsistent, or incorrect.
That is why this story matters. It is not just about Council Tax. It is about access. When information is easy to understand, more carers get the support they are entitled to. When it is confusing, people miss out.
If you are caring for someone and money feels tight, this is one check that could make a real difference.
