Council Tax Support & Discounts

Before you worry about paying off council tax arrears, it's worth making sure your bill is as low as it should be. A surprising number of households pay more than they need to, simply because they haven't claimed the support and discounts they're entitled to — and several of these can be backdated, which reduces the arrears themselves.

What is Council Tax Support?

Council Tax Support (also called Council Tax Reduction) is a means-tested discount for people on a low income or benefits. It replaced Council Tax Benefit in 2013, and in England each council runs its own scheme, so the exact help varies by area — ranging from a partial reduction up to the full bill. Scotland and Wales run national schemes. Pensioners are protected by national rules and generally get more generous help than working-age claimants.

Who qualifies?

• People on a low income from work, self-employment, pensions or benefits.
• Those getting Universal Credit, JSA, ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit.
• Households with savings below the council's limit (often around £16,000; pensioners on Guarantee Pension Credit are exempt from the limit).
• Both renters and homeowners who are liable for the council tax.

Stack every other discount too

Council Tax Support sits on top of other reductions. Check whether you're also owed the 25% single person discount, a student or carer disregard, a disabled band reduction (if your home is adapted), or, as a last resort, a discretionary reduction under Section 13A. Your council's Household Support Fund may help in a crisis too.

Support cut or refused? Challenge it

If you think a decision is wrong, you can ask the council to look again (usually within a month), and if you're still unhappy you can appeal free of charge to the independent Valuation Tribunal. It's always worth checking — a successful claim can transform what you owe.