Tell BOTH councils — old and new
- You must notify your outgoing council so they close your account and issue a final bill (usually pro-rata to your move day).
- Notify your new council within 21 days of moving. Most now have an online 'moving in' form — search 'council tax moving in' + your borough.
- Have ready: move date, new address, previous address, forwarding address for any refund, and names of everyone over 18 living with you.
Discounts to claim from day one
- Single-person discount: 25% off if you're the only adult in the property.
- Student household: full exemption if every occupant is a full-time student.
- Severely mentally impaired disregard: apply through your new council with GP evidence.
- Empty & unfurnished discount: available in some councils for the first 1–3 months on an empty property (varies).
Common council tax mistakes when moving
- Forgetting to tell your OLD council — you'll keep being billed until you do.
- Assuming direct debits transfer automatically — they don't. Set up a fresh one at the new address.
- Not checking your new property's banding — around 1 in 20 UK homes are in the wrong band; challenge via the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) if yours looks high.