What Help Can I Get With Council Tax?
If Council Tax is difficult to afford, check whether the bill can be reduced rather than assuming the amount shown is necessarily what you must ultimately pay.
If Council Tax is difficult to afford, check whether the bill can be reduced rather than assuming the amount shown is necessarily what you must ultimately pay.
Several different forms of help can apply, and they are not all the same thing.
Start with Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax Reduction, sometimes called Council Tax Support, can reduce the bill for people on a low income. You normally apply through your local council.
The detailed rules can vary locally. Your income, savings, benefits, household and whether you have reached State Pension age can all be relevant.
Could a discount or exemption apply as well?
Separate Council Tax discounts and exemptions exist for particular circumstances. For example, a single adult household will usually have a 25% single-person discount.
Different rules can also apply where somebody is a student, has a severe mental impairment for Council Tax purposes, is a carer in certain circumstances or where a property falls within a particular exempt category.
Do not assume that receiving a benefit automatically means the council has applied every reduction that may be relevant.
What if somebody in the household has a disability?
There is a separate disabled band reduction scheme in some circumstances where a home has features needed because a disabled resident lives there. This is different from Council Tax Reduction.
Ask the council which schemes it has considered if you are unsure why your bill is the amount shown.
What if I cannot afford the current payments?
Contact the council early. Council Tax arrears are a priority debt because councils have formal recovery powers.
Ask whether your entitlement is correct, whether the payment schedule can be adjusted and whether there is any discretionary or hardship support available locally. If you have several debts, free debt advice can help you decide what needs attention first.
Check the bill itself
Make sure the names, address, period charged and any discounts shown are correct. If your circumstances have changed, tell the council where required.
Keep copies of applications, bills and correspondence. If you disagree with a decision, ask the council how it can be reviewed or challenged.
7.46: I’m Behind With My Council Tax
7.10: How Can I Check Whether I’m Missing Out on Benefits?
7.39: I’m Struggling With Debt, Where Do I Start?
Important information
This guide provides general information and is not intended to provide financial, benefits, debt, housing or legal advice. Individual circumstances can be different. Check current information from official sources and seek advice from an appropriately qualified or authorised adviser before making important financial decisions.