Does a Live-In Carer Affect Your Council Tax in South Lanarkshire?

Council Tax is charged on most properties across Scotland, England, and Wales. Each home is placed into a valuation band, and the council sets the rate for that band. Bills are based on the assumption that two adults live in the property.

But here’s the good news — not everyone who lives in a property is counted for Council Tax purposes. Certain people are legally “disregarded,” which means they are not treated as a liable adult when your bill is calculated. This can make a big difference if you have a live-in carer or are a carer yourself.

People who are disregarded for Council Tax purposes include:

• Children under 18

• Full-time students and student nurses

• Apprentices earning below a set weekly threshold

• People classed as severely mentally impaired (SMI)

• Diplomats

• Carers who meet specific conditions

If everyone in the property is disregarded, the council can apply a 50% discount. If only one adult is counted, you may receive a 25% single person’s discount.

You might be able to receive a Council Tax discount if you meet these conditions:

• You provide at least 35 hours of care per week

• You live in the same property as the person you care for

• You are not their spouse, partner, or the parent of a child under 18

• The person you care for receives one of these benefits:
  • Middle or higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

  • Daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  • Attendance Allowance (any rate)

  • Armed Forces Independence Payment

  • Highest rate of Constant Attendance Allowance

Your income or savings will not affect your eligibility, and you don’t have to claim Carer’s Allowance to qualify. If more than one carer lives in the property, the discount can still apply as long as the criteria are met.

Example Scenario

Imagine Susie provides over 35 hours of care each week for her adult son Darren, who receives the enhanced rate of PIP. Both Susie and Darren are disregarded for Council Tax purposes, leaving Susie’s sister Helen as the only adult counted. This means the household qualifies for a 25% single person’s discount.

If the person you care for is classed as severely mentally impaired, they may be completely disregarded for Council Tax purposes. In some cases, this means no Council Tax is payable at all — for example, if the rest of the household are also disregarded (such as students).

Applying for a discount or exemption is straightforward:

1. Visit your local council’s website and complete the online form

2. Have your Council Tax account number ready

3. Provide details of the hours of care you give each week

4. Submit proof that the person you care for receives a qualifying benefit

5. Include a medical certificate if applying under SMI rules

Keep copies of everything you send, and check that the reduction is applied to your next bill. If your caring situation changes, you must inform the council promptly — continuing to receive a discount you no longer qualify for can result in a fine and backdated payments.

Caring for a loved one can be demanding, both emotionally and financially. Council Tax discounts and exemptions are designed to reduce some of that pressure. Whether it’s a 25% single person’s discount, a 50% reduction because carers are disregarded, or a full exemption, taking the time to check your eligibility could lead to meaningful savings.

If you think you qualify, gather your documents and apply online today. It’s a small but important step towards keeping your household bills manageable while you focus on what matters most — caring for the person you love.

For more information about care at home, visit Home Instead South Lanarkshire. Our team is here to help guide you through live-in care options and connect you with resources that can make life easier.