Council Tax Reduction gives you a discount on your Council Tax bill. In some cases, your bill could be reduced by up to 100%, meaning you may not have to pay anything.

You can apply whether you:

• Are unemployed or working.
• Own or rent your home.
• Live alone or with others.
• Receive benefits or have a low income.

Each local council is responsible for managing its own Council Tax Reduction scheme. This means:

• Eligibility criteria can vary depending on where you live.
• The amount of help you receive will depend on your local authority’s rules.
• You must apply through your own council, not a central government service.

You can find your local council and apply at: gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction

You may be eligible if one of the following apply:

• You’re on a low income, either from work or benefits.
• You receive Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Pension Credit.
• You have children or dependants living with you.
• You or someone in your home has a disability.
• You have limited savings (usually under £16,000 unless you’re receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit).

Eligibility is also based on your household circumstances, including:

• Your total income and savings.
• Your partner’s income and savings (if you live with a partner).
• The number and ages of people living in your home.
• Any other adults (non-dependants) living with you.

If you live with other adults who are not your partner or dependants, such as grown-up children or friends, your entitlement to Council Tax Reduction may be reduced. This is because these adults are expected to contribute toward the Council Tax bill.

To apply, you should:

1. Contact your local council directly or visit their website.
2. Complete their application form, either online or by post.
3. Submit supporting documents, such as:
   • Proof of income and benefits.
   • Identification.
   • Housing details (tenancy agreement or mortgage information)
   • National Insurance number.

If you already receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, you may still need to apply separately for Council Tax Reduction, as it is not automatically included.

Once your application is assessed, your council will let you know whether you qualify and how much your bill will be reduced. If successful, the reduction is usually applied directly to your Council Tax account.

If your circumstances change at any point, such as a change in income, household size, or benefits, you must inform your local council, as this could affect the amount of support you’re entitled to.

If you do not qualify for Council Tax Reduction, there are other ways to reduce your bill. You might be eligible for:

• A single person discount (25%) if you live alone.
• Discounts or exemptions if someone in your home has a severe mental impairment.
• Student exemptions.
• Carer discounts.
• Exemptions for certain unoccupied or empty homes.

You can learn more at: gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-occupied-homes

Council Tax Reduction can significantly reduce the financial pressure on those with low incomes or claiming benefits. It’s worth checking if you’re eligible, even a small reduction could make a big difference. Since each council runs its own scheme, it’s important to apply through your local authority and provide all necessary information.

If you need help with the application or understanding your entitlements, local advice services and welfare support teams can often assist.

Beyond Council Tax Reductions, there may be other ways to lower your household costs and make your home more comfortable.

If you’re eligible for support with Council Tax, on a low income, or receiving certain benefits, you might also qualify for energy-saving improvements through schemes like ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme. These government-backed programmes offer free insulation, heating upgrades, and more to help reduce energy bills and keep your home warmer.

Checking your eligibility is quick, free, and could make a real difference to your household budget.

Useful Resources:

• Apply for Council Tax Reduction
• Universal Credit 
• Income Support 
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Pension Credit
• Find Your Local Council 
• Housing Benefit
• Apply for Council Tax Reduction
• How Council Tax works

Cost of Living Support Available:

• Household Support Fund (England)
• Cost of Living Payments
• Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
• Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
• Council Tax Reduction

ECO4 Support Available:

• Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
• Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
• Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
• UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
• Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Other Support Available:

• Household Support Fund
• Cold Weather Payment
• Cost of Living
• Fuel Vouchers