Help if you’re struggling to pay your council tax
Council Tax recently increased and, understandably, you might be feeling overwhelmed as you see your basic bills and essential costs go up. It’s important to know you’re not alone in finding things difficult and there is support available.
Discounts are available to some people depending on their circumstances. For example if you live on your own, or people living in the property are classed as ‘disregarded’ (e.g. under 18s, people in education or those with disabilities), you could be eligible for a discount. More information on who is counted is available on the government website.
If you think you might be eligible you should apply to your local council for a discount as soon as possible. You should also inform them if someone has moved out of the property, as this could change your eligibility.
If you are on a low income you might be able to get your council tax reduced. If you get benefits or have other people living with you, this might affect how much your council tax is reduced by. Your local council will ask you details about your income and your circumstances, so they can work out if you’re entitled to a council tax reduction. They will then calculate your new bill and tell you how much council tax you need to pay.
You may also be eligible for additional support if you’ve reached State Pension age which you can check on the government website. If you’re under State Pension age, the ‘working age rules’ apply and if you've reached State Pension age, it depends if you or your partner get certain benefits.
The working age rules still apply if you've reached State Pension age and you or your partner get:
Universal Credit
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
If you've reached State Pension age and don't get any of these benefits, the 'pension age rules' apply.
Even if none of the reduction criteria applies to you, your council can still consider reducing your bill or cancelling it altogether, this is called a ‘discretionary reduction’. They’ll normally only do this if you can show that you’re suffering severe hardship and can’t afford to pay council tax. If you’re struggling to pay you should ask your local council for help. You’ll need to show them evidence of your circumstances.
We know that times are incredibly tough and council tax is a priority bill so it’s important to keep in contact with your council if you can’t keep up payments. If you’re worried about paying your bills, our money advice team can help - get in touch with us today for free, confidential advice.
