Council tax support

Council tax support (also known as council tax reduction) is a discount to help with your council tax if you are on a low income.

What is the council tax support scheme?

The council tax support scheme is a local system of help for people who pay council tax. It replaced council tax benefit in April 2013. We have agreed a scheme that working age customers who claim council tax support are able to receive a maximum of 88% of their council tax charge. This means that working age customers will have to pay a minimum of 12% of their council tax bill themselves.

The changes don't apply to pensioners and they can currently claim up to 100% of their council tax bill.

Who can claim council tax support?

You can claim council tax support if you are liable to pay the council tax on the property you live in, and you (and your partner, if applicable) are on a low income. It does not depend on national insurance contributions and you can apply if you are working, either for an employer or if you are self-employed.

If you are a pensioner and are not entitled to council tax support, you may be able to claim second adult rebate

Who cannot get council tax support?

• You are not the person liable to pay council tax
• If you have savings of over £16,000 (unless you also get guarantee pension credit)
• If you own a property and no one lives in it

Last updated: ‎24/04/2023 10:56