Council tax reductions

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As part of the welfare reform changes, Council Tax Benefit was abolished in April 2013 and replaced with a local scheme called Council Tax Support (also known as Council Tax reductions). Contact your local council to see if you qualify. Certain people won't be affected by the changes, including many people of pension age.

Can I claim Council Tax Support?

The support you get may depend on factors such as which benefits you receive, your age, your income, savings, who you live with and how much Council Tax you pay. You may get more Council Tax Support if you receive a disability or carer's benefit.

If you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, you may get your Council Tax paid in full. If you don't get Guarantee Credit but have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings, you may still get some help.

Other ways to reduce your Council Tax bill

  • If you live alone, you get a 25% discount on your Council Tax bill, regardless of your financial circumstances.
  • Ask your local council whether it offers any other reductions, for example, if you share your home with someone who isn't jointly liable to pay Council Tax, if you're a carer or if you're disabled and your home is adapted to support your needs.

Where to get more information

Use our online opens link in new window Council Tax factsheet (PDF 400 KB)

The following guide is only applicable to people over pension age.

opens link in new window More money in your pocket: a guide to claiming benefits for people over pension age (PDF 3 MB)

If you are under pension age, please download the following guide and factsheet.

opens link in new window Claiming benefits: a guide for people of working age (PDF 1 MB)

opens link in new window Benefits for people under State Pension age factsheet (PDF 298 KB)

We are grateful for the generous support of Dr Naim Dangoor CBE
and The Exilarch's Foundation

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Useful information to download

  • A factsheet with all the information you need about council tax.

    opens link in new window Council tax (PDF 400KB)

  • A guide about claiming benefits if you're over pension age.

    opens link in new window More money in your pocket (PDF 3MB)

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