MoneyHelperBefore 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.
Quick summary
- Council Tax Support (or Reduction) is means-tested and can cut a low-income bill by up to 100%.
- The single person discount takes 25% off if you live alone.
- Students, carers and people with a severe mental impairment can be "disregarded".
- Support and discounts can often be backdated, lowering arrears directly.
- You apply to your own council — claiming Universal Credit doesn't do it for you.
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.
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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.
Tell us a little about your situation and find out which debt solutions may suit you. Free, no-obligation and it won’t affect your credit score.