Single Person Discount Application Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to apply for 25% single person council tax discount including backdating request, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong single person discount application should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• State the date from which only one adult has been resident
• Request the discount be applied from that date and any overpayment refunded or credited
• Request written confirmation of the revised bill

What the single person discount actually covers

If you're the only adult living in your property, you're entitled to a 25% reduction on your council tax bill — this is a statutory entitlement, not something councils can refuse at their discretion once eligibility is confirmed. Many people who live alone simply aren't aware this discount exists, or assume it's applied automatically, when in practice it usually needs to be actively claimed.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation that you're the sole adult resident at the property
• The date from which this has been the case
• A request for the 25% discount to be applied
• A request for backdating to the date you became the sole occupant, if this hasn't already been applied

How far back you can claim

Councils can generally backdate a single person discount, though the exact backdating policy varies — some will backdate to the date you became eligible with no limit, while others apply a maximum backdating period. If you've been living alone for some time without claiming, it's worth asking your specific council directly how far back they'll go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do certain people not count as a second adult for this discount?
Yes — some people are "disregarded" for council tax purposes, including full-time students, certain carers, and people with severe mental impairment, meaning you could still qualify for the discount even if another adult lives with you.

What happens if someone moves in with me later?
You're required to notify the council when your circumstances change, since continuing to receive the discount after it no longer applies can result in being asked to repay the difference.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Council Tax Department
[Name of Local Council]
[Council Address]
[Council Postcode]
[Date]

Dear Council Tax Team,

Subject: Application for 25% Single Person Discount – Account Number: [Account Number]

I am writing to tell you that I am the only adult living at my property and to apply for the 25% Single Person Discount on my Council Tax bill.

Since [Date, e.g. 1 October 2026], I have been the only person aged 18 or over who lives at [Your Full Address] as their main home. [Optional: This is because [e.g. the previous co-occupier moved out / I moved into the property alone].]

Please apply the discount from that date, refund or credit any overpayment, and send me an amended Council Tax bill.

If you need any further evidence, please contact me using the details above.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

[Note for the page: Northern Ireland has domestic rates, not council tax.]