Households are being urged to check if they could be eligible for a 100 percent discount on their council tax. Certain homes will not have to pay the bill at all, while others will have a smaller discount, if the residents claim benefits or are classed as a low income.
The reduction is available whether you are renting or a homeowner and can be given to both unemployed and employed people.
Known as council tax reduction, or council tax support, the discount will vary depending on your local council.
On its website, the Government explains: “You could be eligible if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Your bill could be reduced by up to 100 percent.”
The reduction you are able to get will also depend on:
- Your circumstances (for example income, number of children, benefits, residency status)
- Your household income – this includes savings, pensions and your partner’s income
- If your children live with you
- If other adults live with you
“If you’re on a low income you might be able to get your council tax reduced,” Citizens Advice says.
“If you get benefits or have other people living with you, this might affect how much your council tax is reduced by.”
How to check if you’re eligible
You will need to talk to your local council about this, either over the phone or by applying online.
Citizens Advice says: “Your local council will ask you details about your income and your circumstances, so they can work out if you’re entitled to council tax reduction (CTR). They will then work out your new bill and tell you how much council tax you need to pay.”
If you have other people living with you who are aged 18 or over, you might all be responsible for paying council tax. Only one of you needs to apply for CTR.
If you’re awarded CTR, you won’t normally get an actual payment. The council will reduce the amount of council tax you have to pay.
Citizens Advice continues: “You might get a discount automatically on your council tax bill. If you’re not sure whether you’re already getting a discount, check your bill or contact the council. You can find your council’s contact details on GOV.UK.
“If you’re not getting a discount, you might still be entitled to one. It depends who lives in the property.”
If you’re the only adult in your home, you’ll get a 25 percent discount, known as the single person discount, on your council tax bill.
Council tax is an annual fee you pay to your local council. The cost is set by your council and goes towards funding local services such as rubbish collection and street lighting.
The amount of council tax that you have to pay is determined by the valuation banding that is allocated to your property by the council.
