What is Council Tax Support?
Council Tax Support (also known as Council Tax Reduction) is a means‑tested reduction that helps people on a low income pay their Council Tax.
The amount of support you receive depends on your:
- income and savings
- household circumstances
- benefits you receive
Council Tax Support is different from other Council Tax discounts and exemptions.
We also offer discretionary relief.
Who can apply
You may be able to apply for Council Tax Support if you:
- are on a low income
- receive benefits
- work part‑time or on a low wage
- are pension age
- rent or own your home
You do not need to be receiving Housing Benefit to apply.
How much Council Tax Support you can get
Council Tax Support can:
- reduce the amount of Council Tax you need to pay, or
- in some cases, reduce your bill to £0
The amount awarded depends on an assessment of your income and household.
What income and savings are considered
When assessing your claim, we may look at:
- earnings from work
- pensions
- benefits
- savings and capital
Different rules apply if you are of pension age.
Council Tax Support if you receive benefits
You may qualify for Council Tax Support if you receive benefits such as:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income‑based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income‑related Employment and Support Allowance
Your award may change if your benefits change.
If your circumstances change
You must tell us if anything changes that could affect your Council Tax Support, including:
- changes to income or benefits
- someone moving in or out
- changes to rent or household costs
Not reporting changes could result in an overpayment that has to be paid back.
How to apply
You can apply for Council Tax Support online.
You will usually need:
- your National Insurance number
- details of your income and savings
- information of any benefits you receive
Your Council Tax bill will continue to be payable while your application is being assessed.
Council Tax Support application
Backdating Council Tax Support
In some circumstances, Council Tax Support may be backdated, but this is not automatic. You will usually need to show good cause for not applying earlier.
Council Tax Support and other discounts
Council Tax Support can be claimed as well as other discounts and exemptions, including:
If you qualify for more than one reduction, we will apply them in the correct order.
Need help?
If you’re unsure whether you qualify or need help applying, contact the Council Tax Support team and we can guide you through the process.