Helping Residents Improve Financial Wellbeing, Skills, and Community Life

Merthyr Tydfil Council offers a range of financial and community grants to assist residents with housing costs, homelessness prevention, property renewal, and local projects. Whether you’re facing rent or council tax pressure, own an empty home, or run a community initiative—here’s how the borough is supporting you:

Merthyr Tydfil Council offers a range of targeted support for households struggling with Council Tax:

• Council Tax Reduction Scheme: If you’re on a low income or claiming benefits, you may qualify for a reduction through the national Council Tax Reduction Scheme. This can significantly reduce your bill based on your income, savings, and household circumstances.
• Care Leavers Exemption: If you’re a care leaver aged between 18 and 25, you are fully exempt from paying Council Tax under Welsh Government policy. This applies automatically once your status is confirmed.
• Severe Mental Impairment (SMI) Exemption: If someone in your household has been medically certified as severely mentally impaired and receives qualifying benefits, you may be eligible for a Council Tax exemption or discount, depending on who else lives in the property.
• Discretionary Council Tax Relief: The Council also has powers under Section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to offer further reductions in exceptional hardship cases. These are considered on a case-by-case basis, based on evidence of financial difficulty.

To apply for any of these, visit www.merthyr.gov.uk and go to Council Tax → Discounts, Exemptions and Reductions, or contact the Council Tax team directly.

For tenants receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but struggling with rent, DHP can offer short-term financial support to help bridge the gap. Applications are assessed individually and usually paid alongside your benefit.

This council-run discretionary fund helps prevent homelessness by covering costs such as:

• Rent in advance or deposit guarantees
• Clearing arrears to keep tenancies afloat
• Minor repair work to prevent eviction
• Funding engagement activities or support services to maintain housing stability.

To apply, visit the Town Centre Hub at 3 Newmarket Walk, CF47 8EL, or email  HousingGateway@merthyr.gov.uk.

Merthyr Tydfil joins the national Empty Homes Grant to bring long-term vacant properties (empty ≥12 months) back into use.

• Up to £25,000 per property, including energy-efficiency upgrades.
• Owners must contribute 15%, and a 5-year occupancy requirement applies.
• The council matches 10% of grant bids, up to £62,000 annually; the Welsh Government has allocated ~£621,000 for the area over 2023–25.
• Council approved a 100% council tax premium on long-term empty homes from 1 April.

Since introducing its empty‑homes strategy, the council has brought over 120 properties back into use between 2022–25 (roughly 7% of vacant homes annually), aiming to reach 200 over the full five years.

Merthyr residents may also be eligible for energy-efficiency upgrades through the UK Government’s ECO4 scheme (Energy Company Obligation). This programme supports households in fuel poverty or on low incomes by funding improvements like:

• Home insulation (loft, cavity wall, solid wall).
• Efficient heating systems or renewable heating.
• Boiler replacements.
• First-time central heating for eligible homes.

The Council may work with ECO-accredited installers under ECO4 Flex, allowing local authority referrals for households who don’t meet standard eligibility but still need support.

Use our eligibility checker to find out if you may qualify, and we’ll handle the rest. We’ll talk you through the process, help with your application, and arrange a trusted installer to carry out the work.

Community & Third-Sector Support

Local voluntary projects can access funding and support via Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil (VAMT)—the county’s voluntary and community sector support agency. VAMT provides advice, funding advice, and signposting for community initiatives aimed at improving wellbeing, social inclusion, and local engagement.

Energy & Cost-of-Living Support

Although Merthyr doesn’t advertise a specific Household Support Fund, national findings show councils in Wales use their HSF allocations for essential support, including supermarket or energy vouchers up to several hundred pounds. If you’re struggling with energy or food bills, contacting Merthyr Tydfil Council or VAMT is recommended to see if related support is available locally (such as winter payments or food bank aid).

Merthyr Tydfil Council supports residents through targeted financial schemes: from discretionary rent and council tax relief to homelessness prevention and empty‑home grants. Alongside community sector partners like VAMT, the council is working to foster housing stability, community engagement, and relief for those in need. If you or someone you know could benefit, it’s worthwhile to explore these schemes and reach out for tailored support.